1. Building and Imaging DNA Nanostructures From Computational Design Jamarius Waller University of Mississippi (Biochemistry) Mentor: Dr. Randy Wadkins

2. Introduction DNA has been studied by its basic functions. Scientist recently discovered novel uses for DNA. –New methods involve folding, bending, and twisting DNA to make secondary structures. Exploration of uses of these new functions

3. Background: Cadnano/CanDo Computer software used to design DNA that was developed by biochemist at MIT Templates are formed in cadnano Shaped DNA structure are rasterized from template in CanDo.

4. Background: DNA Origami –Common name for DNA nanostructures –The term DNA origami was developed around 20 years ago. –A few structures have been made using this technique.

5. Background: AFM/ Gel E. (Atomic force microscopy) –Used to visualize DNA origami structures Gel Electrophoresis –Comparative band lengths and weights to determine differences in DNA samples

6. Phases of Research 3 Phases –Computational Phase –Experimental Phase –Imaging Phase

7. Computational Phase Computer software CadNano/Cando 3 step template process

8. Step 1

9. Step 2

10. Step 3

11. Results: Computational

12. Experimental Phase Combination of DNA strands –1:100 Ratio of scaffold to staple Annealing of complimentary bases –Rapid heating to 95 o C and a slow cooling to 20 o C –Using a ramp rate of -1 o C

14. Imaging Phase 2 Ways of Imaging –Gel electrophoresis –AFM

15. Gel 1: 4 o C at 130V Ladder Scaffold Final Product

16. AFM Images Under Construction

17. Discussion Why are we studying this? –Future Implications –Bio Carriers –Nanobots –Novel Techniques

18. Acknowledgements Dr. Randy Wadkins PhD. Dr. Donald Cole PhD. Ms. Demetria Hereford 2013 McNair Scholars GRE Class Instructors

19. QUESTIONS/COMMENTS?

20. Building and Imaging DNA Nanostructures From Computational Design Jamarius Waller University of Mississippi (Biochemistry) Mentor: Dr. Randy Wadkins