novel Oligonucleotide Delivery Systems

We are particularly interested in a form of polymer-oligonucleotide conjugate, termed pacDNA, as a single-entity gene regulation agent. These macromolecules consist of bottlebrush- or star-architectured polymers surrounding one or a few strands of oligonucleotides. Like a sea anemone providing shelter to a clown fish, the polymer chains block unwanted interaction of the oligonucleotide from its surroundings but allow it hybridize normally. This molecular "symbiosis" greatly improves the biopharmaceutical properties of the oligonucleotide, and we are exploring the potential of this technology for the development of nucleic acid drugs.

merging Nucleic acids and polymer science

We develop new methods to integrate DNA with polymers to achieve functional materials. One aspect of this effort is to adopt  DNA as a chemical bond-equivalent, which assemble different macromolecules and even inorganic particles in a sequence-defined manner through hybridization. Another aspect involves using DNA as building blocks (macromonomers, chain-transfer agent, etc.) in traditional polymer chemistry as a way to organize DNA or to incorporate DNA with materials. A third aspect involves DNA block copolymers, which we are developing as drug-DNA codelivery vehicles. By tapping into polymer science, the possibilities and potential applications of DNA will expand exponentially.