Design Automation Software for DNA-Based Nano-Sensor Architectures

Because of chemical behaviors of real DNA molecules, the nanotechnology envisioned by the Defense Department in this Solicitation will be possible only if design automation software creates nanostructures that exploit artificially expanded genetic information systems (AEGIS). AEGIS DNA molecules have more than the four nucleotides (GACT) found in natural DNA. In Phase 1, we delivered a demonstration project showing that adding nucleotides to standard DNA supports three-dimensional self-assembling nanoarchitectures at the frontier of the field. We also improved several of the AEGIS components. This progress will allow Phase 2 to deliver kits for specialists, non-specialists, and students that combine AEGIS DNA with non-DNA linkers to give a nano AEGIS"Lego"kit. We will also deliver a nanostructure as a signaling element to detect DNA from insect-borne pathogens that cause rickettsial diseases (e.g. typhus). This project overlaps Firebird's business, which supports human diagnostics based on reagent innovations like AEGIS. Adding nanotechnology to its existing business makes commercial sense, and will help"dual uses"emerge from this project.