Our research takes inspiration from the various mechanisms that Nature has developed to produce, modify, and transport biomolecules in specific cells throughout evolution. Using a multidisciplinary approach, we aim to develop new therapeutics, with a focus on oligonucleotides and peptide-based treatments.

Oligonucleotides and peptides have complex chemistry, with various reactive functional groups that make developing new chemistry tools for their selective modification and efficient delivery into specific cells challenging. Our research recognizes these challenges and aims to create new chemistry tools that are selective, quantitative, and bio-compatible, to enable the development of efficient drug delivery methods for these biomolecules. In short, our research focuses on developing new chemistry tools for the selective modification of oligonucleotides and peptides, to facilitate their efficient drug delivery into specific cells.

Nucleic acids, which include DNA, RNA, and other oligonucleotides, are truly remarkable and complex molecules that are essential for life. Nucleic acids play a crucial role in storing, transmitting, and expressing genetic information in all living organisms. Their astonishing ability to recognize and bind to specific complementary nucleic acids sequences, and self-assemble into complex three-dimensional structures, has led to the development of novel applications beyond their traditional biological roles.

At the Patil Lab, we focus on utilizing these unique properties to design and develop cutting-edge therapeutics, biosensors, and biochemical tools. By exploiting the molecular recognition and self-assembly properties of nucleic acids, we can generate functional architectures that enable us to study and manipulate cellular processes.

We're particularly interested in exploring how we can use both synthetic and natural oligonucleotides in combination with other biomolecules to create new tools for various applications. These applications include detecting diseases, developing new and innovative treatments, reviving existing therapeutics and studying fundamental biological processes at the molecular level.

By combining oligonucleotides with other biomolecules, we can create novel architectures and systems that can detect and respond to specific targets with high sensitivity and precision. These new tools and techniques have the potential to revolutionize the way we study and treat diseases and advance our understanding of the fundamental workings of biology.

1) Peptide Nucleic Acids (PNAs) as antisense antibiotics

2) Backbone-modified antisense oligonucleotides

3) Lipopeptide-based antibiotic drug development