CRC 858 B08 - DNA as Chiral Element of Organisation for Catalysts in Aqueous Media (SFB 858)

Basic data for this project

Description

The DNA double helix is one of the most prominent chiral objects. In addition to its biological function DNA has also found interesting applications in further research areas such as nanotechnology. In project B8 we want to utilize DNA as an element for the organization of catalysts. The fixation of catalysts at specific positions of the DNA molecule should enable an efficient chirality transfer. For this purpose, the catalysts will be attached via known DNA-binding hetaryl oligoamides fitting into the gaps of DNA. Furthermore, the polyanionic character of DNA should enable performing catalyses in water for systems usually not soluble in aqueous media. The resulting hybrid catalysts then will be analyzed with respect to their potential cooperative interaction namely the interaction between DNA and the catalytic active center. If applicable, anchors binding in a highly specific manner might even enable the formation of more than one catalytic moiety, thus enabling the formation of novel bifunctional hybrid catalysts.