Nucleic acid aptamers for diagnostics, therapeutics and DNA nanotechnology

Nucleic acid aptamers can be evolved to bind specifically to molecules and have particular functions in a range of applications. They are also wonderful tools as adaptors and functional units in DNA nanotechnology. Research is highly transdisciplinary across biomedical science, chemistry and engineering. We are developing nucleic acid aptamers for a variety of applications – for point-of-care malaria diagnosis for example, or for real-time monitors of health as a new technology for direct embedded sensing, or as visualization tools in cell biology. We are also using DNA aptamers in therapeutics for drug delivery and as modules for functional DNA nanotechnology.

We have PhD projects available which could be related in any of these themes according to the interest of the applicant. Please see our website for more details of our latest research. Hong Kong is an exciting place to study in a world-class research environment with generous stipends for student support and plenty of international collaborations and exchange opportunities. Our laboratory is a fantastic international team. I look forward to receiving your enquiries.

Faculty information, funding opportunities and application deadlines: https://www.findaphd.com/phds/program/biomedical-research-hku-li-ka-shing-faculty-of-medicine/?i586p4119