For centuries, people have relied on materials such as concrete, steel, and wood for the construction of buildings, bridges, and other structures. However, researchers have started exploring a far less conventional material for building therapeutics at the molecular level—DNA.
DNA nanorobots conceal their cytotoxic ligand pattern in neutral conditions, preventing interaction with healthy cells. However, these nanostructures display the hexagonal ligand pattern in acidic tumor environments, triggering cell death.
Boxuan Shen, Högberg lab, Karolinska Institute
In this episode, Charlene Lancaster from The Scientist spoke with Björn Högberg, a professor of biophysics at the Karolinska Institute, to learn how his team is developing DNA-based nanorobots to fight cancer.
More on this topic: Coming Into the Fold: DNA Origami
The Scientist Speaks is a podcast produced by The Scientist’s Creative Services team. Our podcast is by scientists and for scientists. Once a month, we bring you the stories behind news-worthy molecular biology research. This month’s episode is sponsored by Crown Bioscience.
Speaker:
Björn Högberg, PhD
Professor and Departmental Head
Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics
Karolinska Institute
Headquartered in California, Crown Bioscience is a global contract research organization providing discovery, preclinical, and translational platforms and services to advance oncology and immuno-oncology. The company delivers high-quality, integrated solutions and offers in vivo, in vitro, ex vivo, and in silico services. They work closely with clients to assess the efficacy and pharmacological profile of drug candidates before clinical development. Their goal is to deliver superior therapies that ensure patients receive the right treatment at the right time.
