The Novel Technology
The present invention describes a novel DNA structure, poly deoxyadenosine (dA) helix, referred here as “A-motif”. This reversible new structural ‘A motif’ functions as a molecular switch, which at low pH forms a parallel-stranded double helix and at neutral pH exists as a structured, single helix. This would enable to ‘switch on and off’ DNA base pairing using a pH trigger.
Applications:
- To measure the pH of a sample in vitro or in vivo
- To use A-motif based switches as diagnostic tool (for eg: Lysosomal storage disorder)
- To self-assemble and dis-assemble nanoscale DNA architectures
- To site-specifically and reversibly glue pre-structured DNA assemblies
- To use assemblies as logic gates in DNA based computation strategies
- To incorporate a-motif overhangs in 3D DNA Polyhedra to use as targetable drug delivery agents
Advantages:
- A-motif structures are simple to construct, consist of one type of DNA base
- Minimizes interference in larger DNA assembly
- Non-toxic and easily integrated
Business Model:
Early stage technology and currently looking for industrial partners to further develop this technology.
Principal Investigator(s): Dr. Yamuna Krishnan, NCBS
Invention ID: CMP-019
IP Status: US Patent Granted
Jurisdictions: United States (US)
For more details, please write to:
techtransfer @ ccamp.res.in