Project description
Towards more stable DNA nanostructures for biomedical applications
DNA nanotechnology involves the design and construction of nanoscale structures and devices using DNA molecules as the building material. This field exploits the predictable self-assembly of DNA to create highly ordered and complex structures with precise control over their shape and function. Despite the potential of DNA nanomaterials, their instability under physiological conditions has limited their use in biomedical applications. Funded by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the DNANOMETAL project aims to develop more stable DNA nanostructures by incorporating metal-mediated base pairing alongside classical base pairing. Researchers will design and analyse oligonucleotides that stabilise silver nanoclusters, creating stable nanoconstructs for use in vaccines and drug carriers
Objective
DNA nanotechnology can provide breakthroughs in various fields such as catalysis, nanofabrication, computation, bioimaging, drug delivery or cancer treatment. This approach is based on the idea that if single-stranded DNA sequences are not perfectly complementary, branched-stranded DNAs can be formed, from which complex 2D or 3D structures can be constructed with near-atomic precision by proper sequence design. Although DNA nanomaterials seem to be promising, the biomedical application is significantly challenged by the fact that current DNA - and especially RNA - nanostructures are unstable under physiological conditions, sensitive towards nucleases and oxidative damage as well. Therefore my main goal is to develop more stable DNA nanostructures that can later be used to stabilize vaccines or drug carriers. For this purpose I will use metal-mediated base pairing in addition to the classical Watson-Crick hydrogen base pairing. During the project I will design, purify and analyse oligonucleotides that stabilize silver nanoclusters (AgNCs) in the small size regime with mixed Ag0/AgI composition in order to achieve AgNC-oligonucleotide systems (nanoconstructs), that can remain stable even in the conditions of the human plasma, thus can be used later as vaccines or drug carriers. This approach is beyond state of the art since it was not even mentioned as a possible application of metal-incorporated DNA nanoconstructs in the most recent reviews of the field, although already existing data combined suggests, it could eliminate many of the issues of previous concepts. I will use modern separation, spectroscopy and structure quantification methods, as well as cellular studies, to design and characterise the system that best meets the criteria.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- natural sciences biological sciences genetics DNA
- natural sciences chemical sciences inorganic chemistry transition metals
- medical and health sciences basic medicine pharmacology and pharmacy pharmaceutical drugs vaccines
- natural sciences chemical sciences catalysis
- natural sciences biological sciences genetics RNA
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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)
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.
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-2023-PF-01
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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.
1165 KOBENHAVN
Denmark
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.