Project Description

Like the intricate folds of origami showpieces, students from diverse backgrounds at the University of Alberta have come together to form the Ingenuity Lab Future Innovators iGEM team. Our team consists of students from various disciplines of Science and Engineering such as biology, biochemistry, microbiology and chemical engineering. With a macroscopic view overlooking the picturesque River Valley in Edmonton AB, we are a team of scientists who are passionate about discovering the intricate folds and details that are found in the microscopic world.

Our project uses the principle behind DNA origami to design an organic/inorganic bionanoarchitecture that serves to function as DNA-based gold nanowire. There are vast potential applications using DNA nanotechnology. The project inspiration came from Dr. Seidel’s group at the Leipzig University. Following their work, we used the same DNA origami modelling software, CaDNano, to design a boxed structure using 214 short oligonucleotides (called staples) and a 7249nt scaffold DNA from M13mp18. Subsequently, this hollow cavity will then be seeded with a gold nanoparticle (AuNP). Seeding occurs because the inner cavity will contain polyA capture strands whereas the AuNP will have its complementary polyT strands. Once the AuNP is seeded, the DNA origami structure will be placed in gold ion solution, H[AuCl4], to allow the precipitation of gold within the hollow cavity. In other words, the DNA uses the gold nanoparticles as a reaction seed to mould and grow into the desired shape, pattern and complex components needed for programmable circuits. Through this, our design gains several advantages over conventional methods. Our system self-assembles on the nano-scale, is a single-pot reaction, allows us to predefine the 3D moulded shape, and is likely to be biocompatible. We plan on developing a new assembly standard that will allow nano-circuit construction.

One of the applications we are exploring is attaching Photosystem II (PSII) protein, purified from a mutant Synechocystis 6803, to the DNA nanowire to generate a usable current and act as a nanoscale battery. Our system harnesses electrons that are generated by the splitting of H2O in the photosynthesis biochemical pathway. To test this, we engineered the PSII protein to be embedded in artificial liposomes, E. coli total lipid extract, to mimic the transmembrane environment that PSII is naturally found in. Our end goal seeks to link the two systems together, that is connecting our DNA-based gold nanocircuit to the PSII protein and harnessing its electrons to generate a usable current.

Moreover, our DNA Origami nano-circuitry design can be adapted to more complex circuits for potential applications in various fields like health sciences.