Professor Kurt Gothelf and his research group are exploring the application of DNA for the formation of functional nanostructures and their application in various fields such as molecular electronics, biosensors, and bioconjugation. DNA is an amazing molecule that contains the genetic information in all life forms. From a chemical point of view DNA is also completely unique since it is the only ty
pe of molecule that can be programmed to assemble into predesigned structures with high reliability. This enables the formation of structurally well-defined and complex nanostructures formed solely by self-assembly. With a background in organic chemistry, Gothelf’s approach to DNA nanotechnology is based on preparing functional organic molecules and organizing the
such as artificial DNA building blocks, electronically interesting molecules for molecular electronics and dyes for DNA nanotechnology and the development of new chemical methods applied to bionanotechnology. Gothelf’s approach is based on fundamental research, however he is also aiming at practical applications of the technology, and he has developed new methods in the field of biosensors and chemical functionalization of biomolecules that are part of industrial collaboration or startup companies. The research at CDNA is highly international and is performed in collaboration with research groups at three American universities associated with CDNA and other researchers in Europe and China. Several students in Gothelf’s group have been on research visits to Harvard, Arizona State and North Carolina State Universities. Keywords: DNA, Organic Synthesis, Self-Assembly, Bioconjugation, Biosensors
