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30th PUERTO
RICO INTERDISCIPLINARY SCIENTIFIC MEETING (PRISM 2010) |
DNA as Both a Genetic and a Generic Nano-material
Our research focuses on Nucleic Acid Engineering: molecular engineering DNA as both a genetic (bio-) and a generic (nano-) material. Previously using DNA we have created tree-shaped DNA (dendrimers-like DNA), DNA nanobarcodes, DNA hydrogels, DNA liposomes, and DNA-organized nanoparticles. We have also invented a novel “target-driven polymerization” process where polymers can only be synthesized in the presence of a pathogen DNA. The technology will have wide applications in diagnostics as well as in imaging and multi-drug delivery. In addition, nanoparticle-based 1D nano-wires, 2D superlattices, 3D supracrystals, and free-standing monolayer sheets have been achieved with nanoparticles by using DNA as an organizer. Recently, we have created a DNA gel that can produce large amounts of proteins without any living cells (termed P-gel). P-gel successfully converts the central dogma from inside a cell to a gel-based chemical reaction in a test tube. Cloning, transformation and cell culturing are no longer needed for protein expression. P-gel will become a platform technology for producing and engineering proteins. Furthermore, we have created an “unforgettable” DNA gel. These examples illustrate the fact that DNA is a truly amazing genetic and generic materials and that we can create new materials via DNA with novel properties and real-world applications. For more information, please refer to our recent publications:
1. High-yield cell-free protein production from P-gel, Nature Protocols, 4, 1759-1770 (2009)
2. Multifunctional nano-architectures from DNA-based ABC monomers, Nature Nanotechnology, 4, 430-436 (2009)
3. Free-standing nanoparticle superlattice sheets controlled by DNA (Article), Nature Materials, 8, 519-525 (2009)
4. A Cell-free protein producing gel, (Article), Nature Materials, 8, 432-437 (2009)
5. Nanopatterning self-Assembled nanoparticle superlattices by molding microdroplets (Cover Article) Nature Nanotechnology, 3, 682-690 (2008)
6. Enzyme catalyzed assembly of DNA hydrogels, Nature Materials 5, 797-801 (2006)
7. DNA nanobarcodes, Nature Protocols 1, 995-1000 (2006)
8. DNA fluorescence nanobarcodes for multiplexed pathogen detection, Nature Biotechnology 23, 885-889 (2005)
9. Controlled assembly of dendrimer-like DNA. Nature Materials, 3, 38-42 (2004).
Dan Luo, PhD
Associate Professor
Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering
Cornell University
Ithaca, New York
Dr. Dan Luo is currently an Associate Professor in the Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering at Cornell University. He is also a faculty member of the Nanobiotechnology Center, Cornell Center for Materials Research, Kavli Institute for Nanoscale Science, Biomedical Engineering
and New Life Science Initiatives at Cornell. He obtained his B.S. degree from the University of Science and Technology of China in 1989 and his Ph.D. in Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology in 1997 from the Ohio State University. After his postdoctoral training at the School of Chemical Engineering at Cornell, he joined the Cornell faculty in 2001. He is Associate Editor for the Journal of Biomedical Nanotechnology and Editorial Board
Member for Nanomedicine, Current Nanoscience, Nano Biomedicine and Engineering, Nanomedicine: Nanotechnology, Biology and Medicine, and Nano Today. He was awarded the National Science Foundation’s CAREER award in 2006 and the Cornell Provost’s Award for Distinguished Scholarship in 2007. He is also a recipient of the New York State Foundation for Science, Technology and Innovation (NYSTAR) Technology Transfer Incentive Program Award (2005),
NYSTAR Faculty Development Program Award (2007), and SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Scholarship and Creative Activities (2008). In 2005 and 2008, he was selected by undergraduate students as a Cornell outstanding educator for having most influenced a Merrill Presidential Scholar.