Singapore, February 1, 2016 – A more efficient DNA technology to detect and treat infectious diseases and cancer has been developed by researchers at the Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (IBN) of A*STAR. The researchers improved on existing technologies to create a modified single-stranded DNA molecule called aptamer. DNA aptamers are ideal for pharmaceutical applications because they can specifically bind to any molecular target in the body such as proteins, viruses, bacteria and cells.
Reference:
1. K. Matsunaga, M. Kimoto, C. Hanson, M. Sanford, H. A. Young and I. Hirao, "Architecture of High-Affinity Unnatural-Base DNA Aptamers Toward Pharmaceutical Applications," Scientific Reports, 5 (2015) 18478.
Elena Tan Nidyah Sani
Phone: +65 6824 7032 Phone: +65 6824 7005
About the Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (IBN)
The Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (IBN) is the world's first bioengineering and nanotechnology research institute. Established in 2003, IBN's mission is to conduct multidisciplinary research across science, engineering, and medicine for breakthroughs to improve healthcare and quality of life. IBN's research activities are focused on Nanomedicine, Synthetic Biosystems, Biodevices and Diagnostics, and Green Chemistry and Energy. The Institute has published over 1,000 papers in leading scientific journals, filed over 300 active patents and patent applications on its inventions, and established 9 spin-off companies. To nurture young research talents, IBN runs a Youth Research Program that offers students research attachment opportunities and exposure to biomedical research.
For more information on IBN, please visit www.ibn.a-star.edu.sg.
About the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR)
The Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) is Singapore's lead public sector agency that fosters world-class scientific research and talent to drive economic growth and transform Singapore into a vibrant knowledge-based and innovation-driven economy.
In line with its mission-oriented mandate, A*STAR spearheads research and development in fields that are essential to growing Singapore's manufacturing sector and catalyzing new growth industries. A*STAR supports these economic clusters by providing intellectual, human and industrial capital to its partners in industry.
A*STAR oversees 18 biomedical sciences and physical sciences and engineering research entities, located in Biopolis and Fusionopolis, as well as their vicinity. These two R&D hubs house a bustling and diverse community of local and international research scientists and engineers from A*STAR's research entities as well as a growing number of corporate laboratories.
DNA Tech for Targeted Disease.pdf [204.5 KB]
Name | Elena Tan |
Tel | +65 6824 7032 |
Other | |
[email protected] |
Name | Nidyah Sani |
Tel | +65 6824 7005 |
Other | |
[email protected] |