Single-Molecule Patterning of Biointerfaces via DNA Origami
PhD - Leuven | Just now
What you will do
This PhD project aims CMOS-compatible platforms for precise control of biomolecules at single-molecule level using DNA origamis. While micro- and nanofabrication have enabled advanced electronic and photonic systems for biotechnology, scalable and site-selective biomolecule placement at nanoscale remains a key challenge. Particularly, emerging genomics and proteomics technologies demand approaches with single-molecule precision. Current limitations include controlling the number, orientation, activity, and multiplexing of biomolecules at each nanostructure across large-scale arrays. You will explore DNA origami-based strategies to overcome these barriers, enabling precise biomolecule placement with controlled orientation and functionality, combined with CMOS-compatible processing at wafer-scale. This topic provides a unique opportunity for performing research across multiple disciplines such as nanofabrication, molecular biology, organic chemistry, and materials science, while contributing to the development of next-generation biosensing and biosynthesis platforms in an international and creative environment of imec.
Your main responsibilities:
- Understanding adsorption and diffusion dynamics of DNA origamis in physiological buffers, on CMOS chip surfaces with various geometries and functional coatings.
- Utilizing the obtained insights to design and demonstrate novel strategies for area-selective deposition of DNA origamis at a large scale with precise molecular placement, orientation, and multiplexing.
- Developing and refining inspection techniques to detect the presence and activity of individual biomolecules bound to DNA origamis with high sensitivity and reliability.
- Investigating diffusion-based passive loading dynamics of DNA origamis, and then overcoming the limitations of the passive method in terms of yield, uniformity, scalability, and placement precision, by introducing active loading mechanisms.
- Exploring diverse dynamic DNA origami structures for controlled biomolecular interactions, signal amplification, and bioelectronic interfaces.
Relevant papers:
- Single molecule DNA origami nanoarrays with controlled protein orientation (https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0099294)
- Fabricating higher-order functional DNA origami structures to reveal biological processes at multiple scales (https://doi.org/10.1038/s41427-023-00470-3)
Who you are
You are a highly creative and motivated PhD candidate with a passion for interdisciplinary research and innovation. You are driven to push boundaries and deliver state-of-the-art results in nanoscale biosensing and molecular engineering. Ideally, you bring the following qualifications and skills:
- MSc in (bio)chemistry, (bio)physics, nanoscience, materials science, engineering, or a related discipline.
- A solid foundation in biochemistry, molecular biology, surface chemistry, or biomolecular materials, with an interest in DNA nanotechnology.
- Motivation to perform hands-on experimental research and learn relevant techniques in surface functionalization, microscopy, and micro/nanofabrication.
- Good data-analysis skills and a systematic, problem-solving approach to experimental work.
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary environment, with good written and spoken English.
Required background: (Bio)chemistry, (Bio)physics, (Bio)nano-science/technology, Materials engineering, Semiconductor engineering, or related discipline
Type of work: Surface chemistry and characterization 50%; Biophysics 20%; Molecular biology 20%; Nanofabrication and microfluidics 10%
Supervisor: Annelies Delabie (KU Leuven)
Co-supervisor: Annelies Delabie (KU Leuven)
Daily advisor: Seungkyu Ha, Kherim Willems, Karolien Jans
The reference code for this position is 2027-096. Mention this reference code in your application.