No Solvents? No Problem! The Future of DNA Conjugation

Groundbreaking Innovation in DNA Research

Jagandeep Saraya’s journey into research wasn’t a straight path. Excelling in chemistry and biology during high school, he initially pursued accounting, only to realize that his true passion lay in the sciences. A leap of faith led him to biochemistry, where an undergraduate co-op placement introduced him to the fascinating world of nucleic acid chemistry—the study of DNA and RNA at the molecular level.

Now, as a PhD candidate at the University of Guelph, Saraya is pushing the boundaries of DNA modification with a groundbreaking water-based method for attaching molecules to nucleic acids. This process, known as aqueous-compatible post-synthetic conjugation, allows modifications to DNA and RNA after they are synthesized, using water instead of traditional organic solvents. By eliminating the need for harsh chemicals, this innovation has the potential to make gene-based therapies, biosensors, and drug development more efficient, cost-effective, and widely accessible.

Revolutionizing DNA Modification

Traditional methods of modifying nucleic acids rely on organic solvents, which are chemicals like chloroform or ethanol that dissolve substances but can be toxic and environmentally harmful. These methods also involve complex synthetic steps, meaning multi-step chemical reactions that require intricate procedures and specialized reagents. As a result, these processes are often costly, time-consuming, and difficult to scale up.

Saraya’s research offers a game-changing alternative—an innovative water-based DNA modification technique that eliminates the need for harmful chemicals, making the process more efficient and accessible for biotechnology, medicine, and biosensing applications.

“Our method allows DNA modification in water, removing the need for harsh solvents, which are strong and often toxic chemicals that can damage delicate biological molecules and require special handling. This breakthrough simplifies nucleic acid functionalization by reducing synthetic hurdles, such as complicated chemical reactions, low yields, and expensive reagents that make modifications difficult and inefficient,” explains Saraya.

By streamlining the modification process, his approach makes DNA research more sustainable, cost-effective, and adaptable for real-world applications.

Working under the supervision of Assistant Professor Dr. Derek O’Flaherty from the Department of Chemistry, Saraya and his team developed this new conjugation strategy with an emphasis on efficiency and accessibility. This technique allows researchers to attach functional molecules—such as antiviral drugs—to DNA strands in a way that is simpler, cheaper, and more scalable than traditional methods.

Modifying DNA using conventional approaches requires costly, multi-step chemical reactions and often relies on toxic organic solvents. These limitations make it difficult for researchers to explore new applications, particularly in drug development, gene therapy, and biosensor technology. Saraya’s water-based method removes these barriers, making DNA modifications faster, safer, and more practical for a wide range of scientific fields.

“What excites me most is the real-world applicability of our research. This method makes DNA modifications far more accessible to researchers across various fields,” Saraya explains.

As he continues to refine his methodology, he hopes to see his water-based conjugation approach integrated into biotech and pharmaceutical research, enabling breakthroughs in genetic engineering, targeted drug delivery, and medical diagnostics.

Mentorship and Community Impact

Beyond the lab, Saraya is a strong advocate for mentorship and community engagement. He co-chaired the Women in STEM initiative, which brought speakers and discussions on mentorship to the university. He is also part of faculty hiring committees, ensuring inclusivity and diversity in the department.

This story was written by Adya Dash as part of the Science Communicators: Research @ CEPS initiative. Adya is a PhD candidate in the School of Engineering under Dr. Edward A. McBean. 

Saraya, J. S., Sammons, S. R., & O’Flaherty, D. K. (2024). Aqueous compatible post‐synthetic on‐column conjugation of Nucleic Acids using amino‐modifiers. ChemBioChem, 26(1). https://doi.org/10.1002/cbic.202400643