MSc - How do artificial proteins influence the physical properties of DNA?

For these non-biological applications, but also for many biotechnological and medical applications, one can image that it is useful to be able to change DNA properties, for example using polymers/proteins that bind to the DNA.

Experimental techniques:

We are designing and producing artifical polymer-like proteins that coat single DNA molecules in a similar way as viral capsid proteins do. In this MSc project, the goal is to get some understanding of how the polymer-proteins that we produce, influence the properties of DNA, such as its stiffness, effective thickness etc. Experimental methods that can be used include Dynamic Light scattering, Atomic force Microscopy, Surface Plasmon Resonance and Fluorescence Correlation Spectroscopy.

The results of this MSc project can have a very big impact on the progress of the project as a whole. We offer extensive coaching in a highly motivating and cooperative scientific environment.