Multiscale Coarse-Grained Modeling with Experimental Verification of DNA-Carbon Nanotube Complexes

The research goal of this project is to uncover the underlying interaction mechanisms between carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and DNA molecules through an integrated experimental and modeling approach. DNA-CNT complexes, benefiting from both the unique electro-mechanical properties of CNTs and the specific molecular recognition capabilities of the immobilized single-stranded DNA, hold great promise for bio-molecular detection and gene delivery applications. Despite considerable prior experimental efforts, the DNA-CNT interface is still poorly understood, greatly limiting the reliability and the efficiency of such novel applications. This research will significantly enhance our current knowledge of the DNA-CNT interface, and will pave the way toward the realization of high-sensitivity miniaturized DNA-CNT based biosensors. The complementary educational plan will greatly increase both the general public's awareness of nanotechnology-based biomedical applications and the participation of young investigators in the exciting field of nanobiotechnology.