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Ph. D. Defense
Engineering Exquisite Nanoscale Behavior with DNA
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Abstract
Self-assembly is a pervasive natural phenomenon that gives rise to
complex structures and functions. It describes processes in which a
disordered system of components form organized structures as a
consequence of specifi c, local interactions among the components
themselves, without any external direction. Biological self-assembled
systems, evolved over billions of years, are more intricate, more
energy efficient and more functional than anything researchers have
currently achieved at the nanoscale. A challenge for human designed
physical self-assembled systems is to catch up with mother nature. I
argue through examples that DNA is an apt material to meet this
challenge. This work presents:
1. 3D self-assembled DNA nanostructures.
2. Illustrations of the simplicity and power of toehold-mediated strand displacement interactions.
3. Algorithmic constructs in the tile assembly model.
1. 3D self-assembled DNA nanostructures.
2. Illustrations of the simplicity and power of toehold-mediated strand displacement interactions.
3. Algorithmic constructs in the tile assembly model.
Advisor(s): John Reif
Alvin Lebeck, Chris Dwyer, Thom LaBean