Synthesis of Antisense DNA with Gold Nanoparticles

Antisense DNA conjugated with gold nanoparticles can be used as a form of gene-targeted therapy to treat diseases caused by abnormalities in genes. These include forms of cancer, HIV/AIDS, cardiovascular diseases, and inflammatory diseases. The focus of this study is to produce antisense DNA conjugated with gold nanoparticles (Au-antisense DNA) in order to examine and compare the effects of antisense DNA and Au-antisense DNA on the production of enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP). It is hypothesized that Au-antisense DNA will be more effective at preventing protein synthesis than antisense DNA. After translation reactions were carried out to synthesize eGFP in the presence of both antisense DNA and Au-antisense DNA, the product was analyzed by fluorescence spectroscopy. The results were inconclusive, since the amount of eGFP produced was not enough to yield reliable fluorescence spectra. A series of troubleshooting experiments were conducted in order to isolate the source of the problem. These included verifying if the translation reactions were taking place, testing the mRNA synthesized, and analyzing the fluorometer used to scan the samples. Although it was determined that a greater amount of mRNA should be used to promote effective translation reactions, further testing is needed to fully optimize the method.