DNA-only nanosensor technology empowers ultrasensitive multiplexing at the point of care

Recent trends in (early-stage) disease diagnosis have been driven by an increasing interest in detecting very low disease biomarker concentrations within small sample volumes. The related technological challenge is to design and develop very sensitive and accurate diagnostic tools that can attain this goal. In this context, DNA has been studied extensively over the years as an alternative building block for traditionally used proteins with the aim to establish more robust and versatile DNA-only diagnostics platforms. Therefore, in this PhD topic we will focus on understanding and exploiting the physical and chemical properties of DNA that can lead to the generation of a multifunctional LEGO-like toolbox. This toolbox will allow us to structure, modify and personalize different aspects of biomolecular interactions and biosensors with nanoscale precision. Here, we will make use of different DNA-based molecules such as aptamers (for target recognition), NAzymes (for signal generation) and DNA origami structures (for smart design of biosensing surfaces).