Designer DNA for sensing and nanomaterial applications

Title:

Designer DNA for sensing and nanomaterial applications

Schedule:

Date: 16^th November, 2023 (Thursday)

Time: 5 - 6 pm (HKT)

Venue: Lecture Theatre P3, Chong Yuet Ming Physics Building

Speaker:

Dr. Andrew Pike

Senior Lecturer in chemical nanoscience

School of Natural and Environmental Science

Newcastle University

Biography:

Andrew R. Pike received a B.Sc. degree in Medicinal Chemistry from Newcastle University, U.K., a M.Sc. degree in functional molecular chemistry from Hokkaido University, Japan, and his Ph.D. in DNA-silicon hybrid sensing materials 2001 back at Newcastle University. He spent three years as a Postdoctoral Research Assistant working on DNA-inspired nanomaterials before joining INEX Ltd. to develop rapid biothreat sensing systems. Here turned to academia as a RCUK Academic Fellow, in 2005 and has since been a Lecturer and a Senior Lecturer in chemical nanoscience at Newcastle University. He is now Director of Chemistry within the School of Natural and Environmental Sciences and CTO of NunaBio Ltd. His research focusses on DNA-based nanomaterials for application in sensor systems.

Abstract:

DNA of user-defined sequences, and of lengths over 100 base pairs (bps) has not been easily accessible. Automated DNA synthesis affords great control over the DNA sequence, but longer strands (>100 bps) result in diminishing yields, and of only a single strand. Typically, polymerase-based routes for DNA synthesis are not limited to short DNA (<100bps) but rely on primer-templates being available to give the sequence control. Additionally, non-standard modifications to DNA can lead to reduced yields and truncated sequences. This talk will present the recent developments from the Chemical Nanoscience Laboratories in Newcastle that address these shortcomings in an effort to produce off-the-shelf designer DNA.

- ALL ARE WELCOME -