Prof. Francesco Ricci
Laboratory of Biosensors and Nanomachines at the University of Rome, Tor Vergata, Italy
During this PhD project the doctoral candidate will use DNA-protein conjugates to build DNA-based structures and assemblies that can have different applications in sensing and drug-delivery. In one example, enzyme-conjugated DNA-based assemblies will be designed to self-propel in fluid in the presence of specific chemical cues. The DNA-enzyme hybrid nanostructures will be also decorated with sensing elements (i.e. recognition elements such as antigens, aptamers, etc) so that they will be able to sense their environment during their propulsion movement and provide a measurable optical signal (fluorescence). During the project the doctoral candidate will investigate different geometries for the nanostructures ranging from simple tubular structures to more complex 3D shapes. The possibility to use different enzymes and to control in a programmable way the surface enzyme density will also be studied as a way to optimise propulsion. The use of strand displacement reactions to control the movement of the structure on the fly will also be studied.
Requirements: Master degree in Chemistry, Biotechnology, Physics, Biology or other related subjects.
Planned secondments: Tinnefeld & Jungmann lab, Simmel lab, Di Michele lab
Salary: Gross salary € 3,821.53 + € 710.00 mobility allowance (+ €495.00 family allowance, if applicable).
The salary (36 months) is directly based on Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Doctoral Network budgeting (including a country-specific living allowance and a fixed mobility allowance for a doctoral candidate, as well as a possible family allowance).