Chad MIRKIN

Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University, USA

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Title: Nanostructures in Medicine and Biology

We have recently reported new methods for the control of protein expression using oligonucleotide-functionalized gold nanoparticle materials. These "antisense particles", as well as similarly functionalized siRNA particles, exhibit a range of unique properties that make them very well-suited for gene regulation. In particular, the particles are highly resistant to nucleases, exhibit high entry ability into multiple cell types as a result of their DNA shell, are generally non-toxic, and can be further modified with designer nucleic acids, siRNAs, and other chemical functionalities. These nanoparticle conjugates are capable of simultaneous cellular entry, semi-quantitative mRNA detection, and genetic control. These developments represent significant advances in gene regulation and detection technologies.