About the project
This project extends dynamic combinatorial chemistry to oligonucleotides, creating libraries that respond to templating. It involves synthesising tailored nucleoside analogues and developing analytical tools using mass spectrometry and spectroscopy. Applications include sequencing, sensing, and aptamer formation, enabling novel biotechnology systems through adaptive, reversible chemistries for selective molecular recognition.
Dynamic combinatorial chemistry is emerging as a valuable tool in drug discovery, where suitable precursors are selected and amplified from a pool of interchanging molecules. The pool is based on the reversibility of selected chemical reactions, giving access to a large and diverse library from which the target template will select and amplify the best binder.
As part of the Horizon Europe funded project INT2ACT, this unique system will be extended to oligonucleotides, where we will develop the chemistries necessary to create dynamic combinatorial libraries of oligonucleotides (DCL ONs), which will respond to suitable templating. The project will include high level organic chemistry for the synthesis of tailored nucleoside analogues, together with the development of analytical tools to study the system’s behaviour, which will be based on mass spectrometry and spectroscopy. Applications in sequencing, sensing and aptamer formation (targeting) will be pursued, leading to entirely novel systems for biotechnology.
You'll receive training in all scientific aspects around DNA chemistry, organic synthesis, purification and analysis. As this project is part of a European Doctoral Network, there are several network wide training weeks at different European locations planned, where both scientific as well as transferable skills training will be delivered.
The School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering is committed to promoting equality, diversity inclusivity as demonstrated by our Athena SWAN award. We welcome all applicants regardless of their gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation or age, and will give full consideration to applicants seeking flexible working patterns and those who have taken a career break. The University has a generous maternity policy, onsite childcare facilities, and offers a range of benefits to help ensure employees’ well-being and work-life balance. The University of Southampton is committed to sustainability and has been awarded the Platinum EcoAward.
In addition to the University of Southampton supervisor, this project has the following external supervisors:
- Professor Barbara Uszczynska-Ratajczak (Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences)
- Dr Thomas Frischmuth (Baseclick)
