Life Sciences Seminar: Colloids for multiple DNA-binding
Colloids for multiple DNA-binding
Dr. Jairo Diaz
Assistant Professor
Department of Chemical Engineering, RIT
Dr. Diaz will present a novel tool where short DNA strands are used to design shape and program binding information for colloids.
Abstract:
Millions of microscale "building blocks" can self-assemble into much larger structures capable of creating rich emerging properties (e.g., cells forming tissues, particles forming crystals). However, decorating the surface and controlling the shape of a simple microscale block remain challenging, requiring nanoscale precision to efficiently encode self-assembly instructions. The complexity and cost of such tasks increase when extended to millions of building blocks. I will present a novel tool where short DNA strands are used to both design shape and program binding information for colloids in bulk. The molecular precision of DNA design opens a window for rapid nanoscopic decoration, where deformations and symmetries can be programmed with "molecular" resolution. Patch symmetries and DNA sequence are sorted in the liquid phase, while controlled transition to the solid phase freezes-in the DNA designs for further assembly. This method enables the production of monodisperse DNA-coated faceted particles in the order of minutes. The novel multi-DNA patchy particles holds promise to rapidly access metastable regions in phase diagrams, offering unique opportunities to extend the number of realizable self-assembled structures.
Speaker Bio:
Dr. Jairo Diaz specializes in the experimental study of soft matter (e.g., liquids, gels, etc.). As a postdoctoral research associate at the Center for Soft Matter Research (CSMR) in New York University (NYU), Dr. Diaz focused on the fabrication and self-assembly of DNA-coated colloids working with Prof. Pine. Together with NYU Prof. Grier and Prof. Hoyos from the ESPCI-CNRS in France, Dr. Diaz also investigated the hydrodynamic phenomena involved during the acoustic levitation of emulsion droplets. Dr. Diaz further extended his training in soft matter to biological systems working with Prof. Elbaum-Garnkle at the Advanced Science Research Center (ASRC) Structural Biology Initiative at The City University of New York (CUNY). Dr. Diaz received his B.Sc. in Chemical Engineering from the National University of Colombia, Bogota, and his Ph.D. in Materials Science from Purdue University. His doctoral research was primarily focused on controlling the self-assembly of chiral cellulose nanocrystals to control thermal and optical properties of thin films used in organic electronics. His work has enabled new avenues for the exploration of soft materials, deserving recognition from Purdue University, the Materials Research Society, and the Simons Foundation.
Intended Audience:
Undergraduates, graduates, experts. Those with interest in the topic.
To request an interpreter, please visit myaccess.rit.edu
Event Snapshot
When and Where
Who
Open to the Public
Interpreter Requested?
No