Sherrill C., Marshall D., Richmond C., Scherrer C., Prudent J.R.
EraGen Bioscience, Inc., US
Keywords: genetic, nanostructures, recognition
DNA is the only chemistry that allows for ?molecular recognition on demand?. That is, unlike any other molecular recognition chemistry, DNA allows for the simple design and rapid synthesis of molecule sets that will recognize each other and self assemble into nanostructures. Expanding DNA chemistry to include additional base pairs, would allow for a more precise manipulation of nanostructures constructed with DNA. AEGIS (An expanded genetic information system) is that additional chemistry. Made up of four additional base pairs, AEGIS can be used to self assemble more precise nanostructures as was the case for the commercially available branched DNA detection assay system (Figure 1). Here the hydrogen bonding patterns that make AEGIS base pairs unique from natural DNA, allowed for a simply means of transcending problems otherwise unsolvable. Today, EraGen Biosciences is implementing AEGIS into nanostructures for the molecular diagnostic markets. By developing software that incorporates the thermodynamic parameters of AEGIS base pairs, we are enabling the rational design of a molecular recognition system that implements AEGIS. Here we will show how AEGIS can eliminate problems evidenced by universal DNA tag technologies constructed solely from natural DNA. An AEGIS based tagging system has now been manufactured for use with solid surface technologies, demonstrating average signal to noise approaching 200:1 without the need to wash or wait(Figure 2). A few of the advantages of nanostructures constructed from AEGIS components include: faster assembly, more precise assembly, shorter sequences, and assembly in the presence of naturally occurring DNA. In addition, AEGIS has also been applied to high-throughput genotyping, genetic quantitation, and cloning. This talk will demonstrate why AEGIS is a true paradigm shift in molecular diagnostics and hopefully convey to the audience why AEGIS may be important to the future of nanotechnology.
Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: 1, Technical Proceedings of the 2003 Nanotechnology Conference and Trade Show, Volume 1
Published: February 23, 2003
Pages: 52 - 54
Industry sector: Medical & Biotech
Topics: Biomaterials, Materials Characterization & Imaging
ISBN: 0-9728422-0-9