Research
DNA nanotechnology for targeted drug delivery
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We use DNA nanotechnology to create drug delivery vehicles that are able to deliver active molecules directly to their targets. While our main focus is on antimicrobial delivery, we also explore mammalian targets through two exciting collaborations: We work with Prof. Laura Itzhaki on targeted peptide delivery to cancer cells and with Prof. Matthew Harper on targeted anticoagulant delivery to activated platelets.
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Aptamer selection for bacterial and mammalian targets
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Aptamers, single stranded oligonuclotides that can assume a secondary structure that allows them to specifically bind to targets, are promising alternatives to antibodies. We select DNA aptamers for bacterial receptors and secreted proteins. We explore aptamers both as pharmacologically relevant molecules and as targeting molecules for our DNA nanostructures and liposomes. In collaboration with Prof. Graham Ladds, we are selecting aptamers for the GLP-1 GPCR.
Targeted liposome delivery
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We are interested in the interactions of liposome drug carriers with their targets, at the molecular level. We aim to develop liposomes for targeted delivery to selectively attack pathogenic bacteria while avoiding commensal strains and limiting off-target effects.
Correlative atomic force with optical microscopy
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A big part of our work involves the direct visualisation of the interactions between our drug delivery vehicles and their targets. For this we develop and use a variety of biophysical techniques, with strong focus on microscopy. We are especially interested in correlative Atomic Force Microscopy with super-resolution microscopy, for the simultaneous topographical, mechanical and functional characterisation of a large variety of biological specimens.