סמינר בכימיה פיזיקלית: DNA Origami comes to age: Science and applications

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Abstract:

DNA origami, invented over a decade ago, enables the construction of complex 2D and 3D nanostructures with programmable shapes. More recently, dynamic DNA origami systems have emerged, opening new opportunities in healthcare applications such as sensing, diagnostics, and targeted drug delivery. We developed a dynamic DNA origami nanocapsule for targeted drug delivery to stenotic arteries, addressing cardiovascular diseases, including atherothrombosis, which remain leading causes of death worldwide. The capsule encapsulates a clot-dissolving drug and autonomously releases it at stenotic sites in response to elevated shear forces generated by narrowed blood vessels. This approach may enable early intervention by paramedics, potentially improving current treatment strategies that rely on thrombolytic agents such as tPA, whose use is limited by bleeding risks. I will present the capsule design, synthesis, and structural characterization by AFM and electron microscopy. I will also discuss the mechanical characterization of the opening mechanism using optical tweezers.

מארגן הסמינר: פרופ' יובל אבנשטיין