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SUMMARY:Learning the language of the cell membrane with structural DNA (an
 d PNA) nanotechnology - Prof. Rebecca E. Taylor\, Carnegie Mellon Universi
 ty
DTSTART:20230705T100000Z
DTEND:20230705T110000Z
UID:TALK202891@talks.cam.ac.uk
CONTACT:Lorenzo Di Michele
DESCRIPTION:Structural DNA nanotechnology has emerged as a powerful approa
 ch for the manipulation of lipid membranes on model systems as well as liv
 e cells. This approach enables the creation of nanoscale structures and ma
 chines that mimic the function of molecular machines and enable molecular 
 inquiry with increasing capability. Because these nanostructures are aniso
 tropic\, both shape and decoration modulate how they are able to interact 
 with cell membranes. To explore and realize the potential for synthetic bi
 ological platforms as sensors and actuators we need to (1) demonstrate com
 patibility with a range of cell types\, (2) expand the capabilities of our
  design tools and (3) address the stability of these systems in terms of d
 egradation. Accordingly\, in this seminar I will present a variety of nano
 structural approaches for labeling mechanosensitive cells\, assessing glyo
 cocalyx health\, and modulating cellular biomechanics. I will also discuss
  how software design limitations can be addressed using emerging automated
  design approaches. And finally I will introduce peptide nucleic acid (PNA
 ) nanomaterials that may provide improved nanosystem stability in vitro an
 d in vivo. Taken together\, these advances point to a next generation synt
 hetic biological sensors and actuators that will enable minimally destruct
 ive interfaces\, novel architectures and building materials that enable en
 hanced device performance and enzymatic resistance.
LOCATION:LT2\, Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology
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