Marianna Rossetti
I am a chemist with a strong interdisciplinary background, particularly focused on the use of DNA nanotechnology for bioanalytical applications. The goal of my research is to create dynamic bio-inspired devices for molecular diagnostics and nanomedicine. My research spans the fields of DNA nanotechnology, analytical chemistry, and supramolecular chemistry. Inspired by Nature, my research focuses primarily on the design of DNA-based nanoswitches that mimic the switching mechanisms found in Nature. I design DNA-based nanoswitches that can undergo conformational changes upon interaction with specific molecules, enabling their detection. My aim is to develop sensors for highly sensitive biomarker detection, also using cutting-edge synthetic biology tools, such as CRISPR technology, which has significant potential for advances in diagnostics. I am also working on developing DNA-based hybrid materials with responsive properties suitable for sensing applications. Nanomaterial structures are combined with functional DNA to enhance their sensing capabilities, with applications ranging from cell-based imaging to diagnostics, and drug delivery. My research is currently funded by European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under the Marie Sklodowska-Curie grant agreement No 101029884.