EXPLORING SYNTHETIC FUNCTIONAL DNA MOLECULES FOR BIOSENSOR DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

The development of the in vitro selection technique permits the creation of synthetic DNA molecules with ligand-binding capabilities (DNA aptamers), or abilities to catalyze chemical reactions (DNAzymes), or both (aptazymes). Significant research efforts in this field over the past two decades have led to the creation of a large array of DNA aptamers and DNAzymes and ever-increasing interests in taking advantage of these molecular species for diverse applications. One area of remarkable potential and development is the exploration of functional DNA molecules for bioanalytical applications. The work described in this dissertation aims to pursue innovative concepts and technologies that expand utility of functional DNA molecules for biosensing applications. I have focused on two functional DNA species: RNA-cleaving DNAzymes and protein-binding DNA aptamers. My key interest is to develop simple but effective colorimetric assays that employ these functional DNA molecules and to establish an effective strategy that makes functional DNA biosensors highly functional in biological samples.