Biomod/2013/BU/introduction
Boston University
BIOMOD 2013 Design Competition
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Introduction
Background
Zhao Zhao, Erica Jacovetty, Yan Liu, and Hao Yan have demonstrated the ability to create a rectangular box with a cavity using the self assembly properties of DNA origami. This structure exhibits a relatively high folding yield and was also found to be robust enough to survive in a variety of environments.
Problem
With an increasing number of neurological questions to be solved, one prominent barrier that remains is a difficulty transporting particles across the blood-brain-barrier. Various nanoparticles have been fashioned as drug delivery particles yet they don't boast the biocompatibility of DNA nanoparticles.
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Project Goals
1. Modify the original literature box with extended ends.
2. Cap the extended ends with a fluorophore to verify functionalization capabilty.
3. Make the polymer for functionalization and verify binding.
3. Scale up products.
4. Test in cells and mice and compare to control.
Other information...
The aim of our project is to develop a general strategy to functionalize DNA structures with bioactive cues, namely peptides.
We will demonstrate the utility of this approach with two applications. First, we will attempt to get structures into cells in an organized and controlled fashion, and second, get structures to pass through the blood-brain-barrier and enter the brain through the bloodstream.
Brief methods summary...
