Expanding the reaction scope of nucleic acids via metathesis

Arkinstall, Lucy. A (2021). Expanding the reaction scope of nucleic acids via metathesis. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

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Abstract

The sequence-specificity and programmability of DNA has led to an increasing emergence of DNA nanotechnology. However, with this comes a rise in the demand for DNA-compatible chemistries. This thesis explores the use metathesis, a carbon-carbon bond forming reaction, in DNA nanotechnology.
Chapter 1 provides an introduction to DNA nanotechnology including DNA-origami, DNA-polymer conjugates and DNA-templated synthesis. The currently explored DNA-compatible chemistries are discussed, and the history and potential of the metathesis mechanism is covered. In Chapter 2 the compatibility of the metathesis reaction with DNA is explored. The stability of DNA in the presence of Ru-metathesis catalysts is assessed and any interactions between the catalyst and DNA are studied.
Chapters 3 to 5 build upon the knowledge gained in Chapter 2 and focus on utilizing metathesis in DNA-nanotechnology. Chapter 3 covers attempts to prepare DNA bottlebrush polymers via the direct graft-through ring-opening metathesis polymerization of DNA macromonomers. Chapter 4 discusses attempts to isolate nucleic acid-functionalized metathesis catalysts with the aim of utilizing them in templating reactions. Finally, Chapter 5 covers an alternative in situ approach to DNA-functionalized metathesis catalysts which was explored following challenges with the isolation of catalysts discussed in Chapter 4.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ph.D.

Supervisor(s):