Toward machine olfaction: a new ISR modality

Research Theme

Sensor Signal Processing 

Autonomous Sensing Platforms 

Aim

Our goal is to develop DNA nanostructures that are stable and functional in non-water solvents such as ionic liquids to realise a gas phase sensor.

Objectives

1. Study the melting and folding behavior of DNA structures (i.e. DNA nanostars and DNA aptamers) in ionic liquids and deep eutectic solvents using DSC and FTIR. 

2. Design a DNA aptamer based system that is stable in ionic liquids to detect specific molecules (such as TNT) and study their interactions using ITC. 

3. Demonstrate the capability to realise a deployable gas phase sensor based on DNA nanostructures. 

Description

Functional nucleic acids such as aptamers require a solvent environment to operate. While water supports Watson–Crick hydrogen bonding, alternative solvents like deep eutectic solvents and ionic liquids offer advantages as material chassis. However, water is not passive and plays a key role in maintaining DNA structure and dynamics. This project investigates which solvent properties are necessary to preserve DNA nanostructure stability, chain dynamics, and selective molecular recognition.

For example, water with high concentrations of choline dihydrogen phosphate can inactivate nucleases while maintaining molecular function, making it suitable for labile nucleic acids. We aim to understand the biophysics of these systems to engineer solvent environments for functional DNA materials.

The target application is gas-phase sensing of compounds such as TNT for defence applications. 

We will study aptamers (e.g., SRB-2) and DNA nanostars in selected solvents, evaluating signal quality and reproducibility. Ultimately, machine learning will guide solvent design for nucleic acid function and target solubility. 

Full funding is available for this project.