Laboratory for Aptamer Discovery and Development of Emerging Research (LADDER)

The Laboratory for Aptamer Discovery and Development of Emerging Research (LADDER) studies aptamers, nucleic acids that fold into three-dimensional nanoscale structures and bind selectively to specific molecular targets. Research focuses on discovering and developing aptamers for targets ranging from small molecules and proteins to whole cells and viruses, as well as understanding how aptamers function. The laboratory applies this knowledge to the development of DNA nanotechnology, including biosensors and smart delivery devices.