The biggest breakthrough our lab made in the field of hybridization probe was made in 2007 by Dmitry Kolpashchikov, who suggested an ADL splitting hybridization probes in halves assessing each of the half its own function, for example, increasing selectivity to mismatches and single nucleotide variations along to unwinding complex probes. The second breakthrough was made a decade later when it was suggested to add additional multi component binding arms. Along with the Unitan platform.
Such designs were able to work even with complex targets, for example, double stranded nucleic acids, and highly structured nucleic acids. The biggest challenges our lab faces right now are coming from the problem of low sensitivity of DNA nano sensors in comparison to conventional amplification techniques. By now, the DNA nano sensors in amplification free assay presents low selectivity, and we are trying to overcome this problem with new molecular designs and new ways of DNA nano sensor detection.
The main advantages of our DNA sensors are their sensitivity in terms of low detected concentration of the analyte and selectivity. For example, their ability to detect single nucleotide polymorphism Also as an advantage compared to other diagnostics techniques. Our DNA sensors are able to unwind and detect complex RNA structures and double stranded DNA.
The new scientific question, our results have paved the way for is, is it possible to find double stranded DNA using protein free hybridization props? The protein independent prop could be easily accessible by automated DNA synthesis, easier to be delivered in cells and be compatible with chemical modification and complex nano structures developed by DNA nanotechnology combined with DNA enzymes such as Dnase lipids and DNA enzymes. Such a prop could become a basis for protein free nucleases a useful tool for gene editing and therapy.
