Genomic DNA stores the information to construct the protein machinery which underpins structure and functionality in cells. However, DNA is also an outstanding building material per se, as synthetic DNA molecules can be designed to self-assemble into nanoscale objects with precisely controlled structure and functionality, which are ideally suited for mimicking protein-based cellular machinery. In this seminar I will discuss how synthetic DNA nanostructures can serve as the basis for engineering structure and information processing in artificial cells - soft microrobots constructed entirely from the bottom-up to replicate emergent cellular responses. I will show how synthetic DNA receptors, anchored to artificial-cell membranes, can be used to precisely regulate their adhesion and the formation of responsive artificial tissues, but also to mediate dynamic surface patterning, transport, and signal transduction. I will then discuss the bulk self-assembly of (amphiphilic) DNA building blocks into responsive nanoporous networks, which can be sculpted into cell-like architectures by exploiting sequential self-assembly, phase separation, and diffusion-reaction phenomena. To conclude, I will present our broader vision for a comprehensive DNA-based toolkit for programming all aspects of artificial cells, which could unlock long-awaited applications spanning from biosensing to smart therapeutics.
Link per il collegamento: meet.google.com/ixd-ufpe-mmy
Irene Giardina