Speaker
Prof.
Hendrik Dietz
(Technische Universität München)
Description
Advanced molecular self-assembly with ‘DNA origami’ offers a
unique route for building custom shaped high-complexity
objects that are commensurate in size to biological
macromolecules. DNA origami objects can be used as platforms
for placing, orienting, and even manipulating biological
molecules in user defined ways. Thus, DNA origami objects
can not only help improve existing experimental methods in
the molecular biosciences but they also open completely new
avenues of exploration.
In our laboratory we have set out to develop custom 'nano’
instrumentation based on DNA origami that complements
single-molecule-level methods for observing and manipulating
biological macromolecules. Among other goals, we seek to
enable the study of adhesive interactions between
biomolecules in unprecedented detail. We also aim to develop
tools for unraveling the conformational dynamics of proteins
at work in novel ways. More long term, we hope to be able to
create a biologically inspired nanotechnology including
devices that are capable of performing complex tasks such as
enzymatic catalysis or molecular transport for human purposes.
In my lecture I will focus on an introduction to DNA
origami, our near-term applications, and report about some
of our efforts in analyzing and improving molecular
self-assembly reactions with DNA origami.
Primary author
Prof.
Hendrik Dietz
(Technische Universität München)
