CRC 1459 - A06: A semi-synthetic nanosystem for programmable control of output based on rational design and directed evolution

Basic data for this project

Description

In the first funding period, we will develop a system that senses different small molecules and actuates the formation of an output signal. The semi-synthetic nanosystem consists of a reaction network in aqueous solution and explores different feedback mechanisms to move from a responsive to an adaptive system that self-regulates the formation of metabolites, RNA, or protein and leads to a detectable output signal (e.g. fluorescence, enzymatic activity or proteinaceous material). Permanent or light-removable modifications of DNA will be tested as a molecular memory indicating which fuels the system has previously been exposed to. The long-term goal of this project is to realize adaptive behavior and learning capability, reminiscent of artificial synapses, by integrating this sensing-actuation system into photonic circuits or confined spaces, such as vesicles and nanofabrication approaches, and to be able to distinguish experienced systems from naïve ones.