1. Fluorescent DNA Nanostructures for Applications in Sensors and Imaging
Bruce A. Armitage, PI (Carnegie Mellon University)
Nanostructured DNA assemblies such as the four-way junction (4WJ) shown above provide a template
for the synthesis of multichromophore arrays of fluorescent intercalating dyes. Modification of the DNA
with alkyne groups allows reaction with dyes bearing azides, resulting in covalent attachment of the dyes
to the DNA scaffold. These “nanotags” will be used as bright fluorescent labels for biological imaging and
sensing applications. The microscope image shown beneath the graphic illustrates labeling of polymer
microspheres with DNA nanotags in which the color is altered using different energy acceptor dyes.