Working on the synthesis of DNA-linked gold (Au) dimers

Author: Konomi Sasaki | Major: Chemistry, Biochemistry Concentration | Semester: Fall 2022

My name is Konomi Sasaki, and I am majoring in chemistry with a biochemistry concentration. I have continued working on the research on DNA-liked multi-functional bio-imaging agents over the course of the fall semester of 2022. I have been working in Dr. Kim, JinWoo’s lab as a Bio/Nano Technology Group member. As I was studying biochemistry, I was intrigued by the effects and functions of DNA, including the relationship between DNA and metallic particles and its physiochemical properties, which can be helpful in the medical field. That is why I decided to work on this project, DNA-linked nanoparticle (NP)-building block, which is the development and analysis of programable architecture with DNA and multiple kinds of metal NPs, with him and other laboratory members in his lab.

Last semester, during my first half period of the research grant, I focused on making progress in developing those multifunctional building blocks in most simple forms, such as 1D and 2D structures with mono-functionality. My research mentor, a Ph.D. candidate at that time, and I followed the previous study of programmable “one step at a time” DNA conjugation for nanoparticle-building blocks using an electrostatic technique with a silica gel, published by Dr. Kim, and developed it with some modifications. We then successfully created the new protocol based on the previous protocol with additional experimental results. My goal this semester was to improve the protocol with some optimization since there were still some challenges when considering further steps of the project.

Over this semester, I have dedicated myself to improving the experimental yield for the 1D and 2D building blocks. It was necessary to maintain a high observed yield in producing the simple forms of the blocks because those blocks became the base used for more complex structures. This was the first semester I worked on the project by myself since my mentor graduated with a Ph.D., so it took time and effort to figure out how to solve the practical issues with my own hands. Through several trials and literature studies, I overcame the problem by optimizing one particular condition of the experiment, which led me to accomplish this semester’s goal.

Thanks to my honors adviser Dr. Sakon who has supported me through this entire grant period, and the Honors College that gave me this excellent research opportunity, I could explore a new field of study, applying my knowledge to the real-world area. I enjoyed thinking logically and trying to find new solutions with wide-range knowledge. Though this grant period is finished, this project will continue to be conducted to expand the possibility for the building blocks to be applied in cancer immunotherapy or other medical fields as bio-imaging agents. For example, making stable 3D building blocks under optimized conditions would be one of the following steps to focus on. Those DNA-linked metal nanoparticles will not only be applied in bio-imaging but also in biosensing, photovoltaics, and other areas, resulting in novel materials with better characteristics for medical theragnosis, medication delivery, and energy conversion. There are many exciting possibilities to see in what further accomplishments will bring us.