Larry Luster
“High Density DNA Grafting Using SPAAC Click Chemistry”
Larry Luster, Janna Lowensohn, W. Benjamin Rogers
Hampton University / Chemical Engineering
Hosted by Rogers' Lab
Abstract
Coating colloidal particles with complimentary sequences of single stranded DNA creates a system with programmable local interactions. Using these interactions, we facilitate the assembly of microscopic components into macroscopic structures. Saturating the surface of these colloidal particles with ssDNA increases the binding strength between the particles.
In this investigation we employ a new method of particle synthesis to create DNA coated colloids with high grafting densities. We also examine the behavior of these particles when the DNA coupling reaction time, concentration of THF used for swelling, and amount of DNA in the system is altered. Initial results indicate the synthesis is optimized by using moderate amounts of THF. From this, we gain an understanding of particle deformation in the presence of a swelling agent, and approximate the strength of binding between particles.
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MRSEC REU