High-sensitivity real-time DNA biomarker detection with strand displacement

DNA strand displacement biosensors are a promising technology with potential applications in scientific, medical, and environmental fields. These biosensors enable the rapid and specific identification of DNA biomarkers, allowing for early diagnoses of genetic disorders, infectious diseases, and cancers. Consequently, the ability to construct biosensors capable of providing accurate, real-time information with high sensitivity, has become a central focus of the DNA nanotechnology.

With my PhD submission deadline just around the corner, I aim to use this talk to provide an overarching description of the four years of my research. I will present a recipe for the construction of an idealized DNA strand displacement biosensor, encompassing five major ingredients. These range from the specificity of detection to the utilization of artificial neural networks. I will elaborate on the importance of each component, and showcase my research on improving the technology.