Periodic porous DNA nanostructures for ordered arrangement of protein molecules and their structural analysis

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 19K22103
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Challenging Research (Exploratory)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Medium-sized Section 28:Nano/micro science and related fields
• Research Institution: Nagoya University
• Principal Investigator: Tagawa Miho 名古屋大学, 未来材料・システム研究所, 教授 (40512330)
• Project Period (FY): 2019-06-28 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: DNA / ナノ粒子 / 結晶成長 / X線小角散乱 / 自己集合

Outline of Final Research Achievements

We worked on the fabrication of crystals of DNA-functionalized nanoparticle superlattices with sponge functionality. In order to improve the uptake efficiency of guest molecules such as protein molecules, we worked on the fabrication of crystals with lattice constants larger than the nanoparticle particle diameter. The crystals were found to have a bcc structure with high crystallinity, which was confirmed by SAXS structural analysis. Streptavidin and RNP were successfully encapsulated, and cross-sectional observation of the crystals by confocal laser scanning microscopy confirmed that the protein molecules were incorporated into the interior of the crystal.

Free Research Field

コロイド結晶成長

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

DNA修飾ナノ粒子の結晶が、規則的な空孔にタンパク分子のような大きな分子も取り込めることを確認したことで、今後は規則配列化による構造解析のみならず、結晶内での反応制御等、様々な応用が考えられる。DNA修飾ナノ粒子の結晶が持つ光電場の増強効果を利用し、ラマン散乱等の手法を用いて封入分子の反応課程を観察する手法としても有効であると期待できる。