DNA Self-Assembly: From Molecular Devices to Macroscopic Engineering
Yi Chen, Ph.D.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Abstract:
Nature utilizes sophisticated and efficient biological systems and processes. To match the complexity and functions of such natural systems is a key goal of nanomedicine. Rational-designed DNA self-assembly is one of the promising routes because of its precise control ability at nanometer scale. Relying on specific base-pairing, nucleic acid molecules can be engineered into highly structured nanomaterials. In this talk, I will first discuss how DNA self-assembly enables construction of nanostructures working as nanomachines and as smart delivery agents for gene therapy. Then, I will talk about how to connect the molecular world, the best description of the structure of matter, and the macroscopic three-dimensional (3D) world where we live in through nucleic acid engineering, and how scaffolding of biological systems for crystallographic structure determination, as well as the organization of nano-components.
Biosketch:
Dr. Yi Chen received his Ph. D. in Chemistry from Purdue University. He is currently a postdoctoral researcher working with Dr. Robert Langer at David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research at Massachusetts Institute of Technology. His current research focuses on development of new materials using DNA nanotechnology for drug delivery.