DNA Origami-based Bio-scavengers for Nerve Agent Sequestration

Parabon NanoLabs has used a multifaceted approach to discover strong interactions between DNA and organophosphate (OP) nerve agents that involved molecular dynamic (MD) simulations, computer aided design (CAD) of specific DNA nanostructures using its proprietary InSequio Design Studio, and laboratory validation of interactions between different DNA constructs and an OP simulant. While the interactions of different chemical warfare agents (CWA) with DNA has been studied in vitro and in vivo, these studies used CWA diluted in aqueous media. There is very little information on the interaction of neat agents with DNA with the latter serving as a decontamination agent. We propose to use our integrated capabilities for the development of DNA-based constructs from readily available DNA that has been physically and chemically modified to sequester and neutralize the persistent CWA: VX, GD, and HD. In addition to developing comDNA-based decontaminants, we will use our integrated in silico MD simulation and design capabilities to establish a database of molecular interactions between CWA and DNA structural motifs that can be integrated into inSequio to accelerate the development of engineered and defined DNA products to protect against and remediate CWA threats.