Nature encodes information directly into the sequences of nucleic acids. While we can now read out this data using next-generation sequencing technologies, these methods require millions of copies of each sequence to reach a consensus. To enable the readout of low abundance species, for example in biosensing applications, new approaches are required.
In this talk, I detail my work towards designing and assembling three-dimensional DNA and RNA nanostructures to encode information at the single-molecule level. Specifically, I leverage the supramolecular properties of nucleic acids and their interactions with small molecules to generate DNA and RNA barcodes whose topology conform to specific designs. These barcodes can then be read out using solid-state nanopores, an emerging single-molecule methodology. The design of orthogonal barcode structures facilitates multiplexing, including within complex biological mixtures. Using this approach, I demonstrate the direct detection of viral RNAs within total human RNA samples. As solid-state nanopores can already be integrated into low volume fluidic chips, these findings pave a path towards portable diagnostics with single-molecule sensitivity.
References:
- Schmidt, T.T.; Earle, M.K.; Patiño‐Guillén, G.; Li, Y.; Alexii, R.E.; Baumberg, J.J; Keyser, U.F.*; Platnich, C.M.* Supramolecular Interactions Modulate RNA: DNA Folding Observed via Nanopore Sensing. 2025, Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 45, e202508917.
- Platnich, C.M.*; Earle, M.K.; Keyser, U.F.* Chemical annealing restructures RNA for nanopore detection. 2024, J. Am. Chem. Soc. 146, 12919.
Contact: platnicc@tcd.ie Website: www.theplatnichlab.com
