During his PhD studies, Malthe von Tangen Sivertsen researched a DNA origami platform for the label-free study of proteins. The aim is to create a sensitive platform using plasmonic gold nanoparticles and study the construct using a dark-field scattering microscope. As the localized surface plasmon resonance is, among others, dependent on changes in refractive index, proteins in the near vicinity of the plasmonic particles can be studied by monitoring the changes in scattering intensity. Malthe von Tangen Sivertsen demonstrates a DNA origami construct that arranges two gold nanorods in a tip-to-tip arrangement. He sets up a dark-field scattering microscope and demonstrates the proof-of-concept of label-free protein studies. Lastly, dark-field scattering microscopy measurements is shown on the plasmonic DNA origami constructs. The research shows the foundation to achieve label-free single molecule sensitivity with the promise to study complex dynamic proteins. 

The PhD study was completed at Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Faculty of Natural Sciences, Aarhus University.

This summary was prepared by the PhD student.

Time: 25/6-2026, 13:00
Place: 1532-122 Aud-G2
Title of PhD thesis: Design of a DNA origami platform for label-free plasmonic sensing using dark-field scattering microscopy
Contact information: Malthe von Tangen Sivertsen, e-mail: malthe.s@inano.au.dk, tel.: +45 93970717
Members of the assessment committee: Professor Guillermo Acuna, Associate Professor Jonas Beermann Kristiansen, Chair: Professor Mingdong Dong
Main supervisor: Professor Duncan Sutherland, iNANO, Aarhus University, Denmark
Language: The PhD dissertation will be defended in English

The defence is public.
The PhD thesis is available for reading at the Graduate School of Natural Sciences/GSNS, Ny Munkegade 120, building 1521, 8000 Aarhus C