We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress hp
Sign In
Advertise with Us
LGC Clinical Diagnostics

Download Mobile App




New DNA Origami Technique to Advance Disease Diagnosis

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 15 May 2024

DNA origami is a method used to create nanostructures with exceptional precision, utilizing DNA strands as the foundational building blocks. More...

These structures, however, are inherently fragile and prone to disintegration under biological conditions, such as fluctuations in temperature or the presence of certain enzymes in living organisms. To address this vulnerability, researchers have now devised an innovative method to both customize and strengthen DNA origami, offering the potential to advance drug delivery and disease diagnostics.

A team of scientists from the universities of Portsmouth (Portsmouth, UK) and Leicester (Leicester, UK) has pioneered a novel approach to reinforce these origami structures, making them both stronger and more adaptable through a process they call triplex-directed photo-cross-linking. This technique involves the strategic addition of new nucleotide sequences to the DNA during the design phase. These sequences are the basic building blocks of DNA and act as attachment points for functional molecules, enhancing the structure's stability and functionality.

The attachment of these molecules is facilitated using triplex-forming oligonucleotides that carry a cross-linking agent. A chemical reaction driven by UVA light then permanently binds these molecules to the DNA, creating what the researchers describe as “super-staples.” These staples significantly enhance the integrity of the structure, making it less susceptible to thermal degradation and enzymatic breakdown. This new method is both scalable and economical, compatible with existing origami designs, and does not require redesigning the scaffold. It can be implemented using just a single strand of DNA. DNA origami is currently being applied in several biomedical fields, including vaccines, biological nanosensors, drug delivery systems, structural biology, and carriers for genetic material.

"The potential applications of this technique are far-reaching. The ability to tailor DNA origami structures with specific functionalities holds immense promise for advancing medical treatments and diagnostics,” said Dr. David Rusling from the University of Portsmouth’s School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences. "We envision a future where DNA origami structures could be used to deliver drugs or DNA directly to diseased cells, or to create highly sensitive diagnostic tools.”

Related Links:
University of Portsmouth
University of Leicester


Gold Member
Quantitative POC Immunoassay Analyzer
EASY READER+
Serological Pipet Controller
PIPETBOY GENIUS
New
Automated PCR System
OnePCR
New
UHF RFID Tag & Inlay
AD-327 U9 ETSI Pure 95
Read the full article by registering today, it's FREE! It's Free!
Register now for FREE to LabMedica.com and get access to news and events that shape the world of Clinical Laboratory Medicine.
  • Free digital version edition of LabMedica International sent by email on regular basis
  • Free print version of LabMedica International magazine (available only outside USA and Canada).
  • Free and unlimited access to back issues of LabMedica International in digital format
  • Free LabMedica International Newsletter sent every week containing the latest news
  • Free breaking news sent via email
  • Free access to Events Calendar
  • Free access to LinkXpress new product services
  • REGISTRATION IS FREE AND EASY!
Click here to Register








Channels

Clinical Chemistry

view channel
Image: Ear wax could be a possible screening medium for Parkinson’s disease (Photo courtesy of 123RF)

Earwax Test Accurately Detects Parkinson’s by Identifying Odor Molecules

Current tests for Parkinson’s disease (PD) rely heavily on clinical scales and neuroimaging, which are often subjective, expensive, and ill-suited for routine screening. Since most treatments only slow... Read more

Hematology

view channel
Image: CitoCBC is the world first cartridge-based CBC to be granted CLIA Waived status by FDA (Photo courtesy of CytoChip)

Disposable Cartridge-Based Test Delivers Rapid and Accurate CBC Results

Complete Blood Count (CBC) is one of the most commonly ordered lab tests, crucial for diagnosing diseases, monitoring therapies, and conducting routine health screenings. However, more than 90% of physician... Read more

Immunology

view channel
Image: The new tool shines a light on elusive genomic patterns (Photo courtesy of Adobe Stock)

Computational Tool Exposes Hidden Cancer DNA Changes Influencing Treatment Resistance

Structural changes in tumor DNA are among the most damaging genetic alterations in cancer, yet they often go undetected, particularly when tissue samples are degraded or of low quality. These hidden genomic... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2025 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.