Optimization of Cryo-EM characterization pipeline for biomolecular nanostructures

Advanced nanostructures can be built by computational design of biomolecules such as DNA, RNA and protein. After synthesis and self-assembly the nanostructures need to be characterized structurally to verify the theoretical design. With this project we aim at establishing an efficient experimental pipeline for purification and characterization of biomolecular nanostructures using cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM). We expect this pipeline to significantly accelerate our design-to-experiment cycle and provide novel insight that will improve our ability to build more complex and functional nanostructures. Biomolecular nanostructures have many downstream applications such as smart drugs in medicine, genetic tools for biotechnology, and molecular devices for studying cell biology.