Objective
Virus infections are among the most pressing challenges in modern medicine, with only a few antiviral treatments and diagnostic tools available. To address this gap, innovative molecular technologies are needed. DNA origami is a technique in which a long single-stranded DNA scaffold is folded into a defined 2D or 3D structure by hundreds of short “staple” strands, enabling the programmable construction of nanoscale objects. These structures have shown promise for virus encapsulation, which blocks cell interaction, and for diagnostics, where DNA origami can be functionalized with sensing molecules to provide specific and sensitive detection of viral targets.
However, conventional DNA origami assembly relies on thermal annealing, where DNA strands are denatured and slowly cooled. As a result, nanostructures must first be folded in a test tube under non-physiological conditions and can only afterwards be introduced into biological environments, preventing co-assembly with viruses or heat-sensitive molecules. Recent advances have demonstrated isothermal self-assembly under physiological conditions, opening the possibility for biocompatible applications. Yet, these advances have so far been confined to proof-of-principle studies with simple model structures. Thus, the crucial step from methodological progress to functional biomedical application remains unaddressed.
This project will fill that gap by pioneering the first biomedical applications of isothermal DNA origami. I will design nanostructures that self-assemble around viruses to block cell interaction and infection, and that function as isothermally assembling sensors co-folding with targeting molecules, thereby expanding the biomedical potential of DNA nanotechnology and establishing a new platform for virus diagnostics and therapeutics.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
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Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
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Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2025-PF
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
14469 Potsdam
Germany
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.