Lancaster chemist shines light on new DNA technique for drug development

A Lancaster University scientist has successfully tested a new analytical approach that will help advance our understanding of molecules used in the biopharmaceutical sector. Dr Lorna Ashton , of Lancaster University's Chemistry department, has used Ramen spectroscopy to determine the topology, or shape, of plasmid DNA (small DNA molecules). Although Ramen spectroscopy has been applied in other areas, it is underused in the development of DNA based biopharmaceuticals. This non-invasive method, which provides almost real-time information, works by measuring the scattering of light caused by molecular vibrations - providing a unique fingerprint of the molecule. It is important to know the shape and structure of the molecules as this can determine its effectiveness in new therapeutic treatments such as gene therapies. Further development of the technique could offer advantages over existing analytical methods that are invasive or require long preparation times. It could help ensure that therapeutic drugs do not change structure during the manufacturing process.