Research

These synthetic analogs could interact with natural nucleic acids or proteins and function as therapeutic, diagnostic, or drug delivery agents. Scientists have also used them to make materials with adhesive, self-healing, or stimuli-responsive properties. Another emerging area of interest is using them to store data.

There isn't one single answer and scientists have developed different approaches that emulate different characteristics of nucleic acids. For us, the defining characteristics of nucleic acids is that they contain nucleobase (A, T/U, C, and G) arranged in sequence. There are many other important characteristics of DNA/RNA, and it may not be necessary or beneficial to emulate them. 

We will synthesize building blocks (monomers), using as few steps as possible. Then, we will control sequence by using a template (like how DNA is replicated in biology). Some of our polymers will be designed to have degradable backbone, to minimize environmental impact and improve biocompatibility. Another helpful feature is built-in functionality for post-polymerization modification. Last, we will investigate their ability to bind natural DNA/RNA and explore possible applications.