Volker Patzel

Volker Patzel is a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore. His research focuses on RNA technologies for gene expression modulation, including antisense, RNA interference, and CRISPR/Cas systems. He leads projects in computational RNA design and delivery strategies for therapeutic applications.

• Specializes in RNA structure optimization
• Develops delivery systems for nucleic acids
• Pioneers computational platforms for RNA design

Research Highlights:
The team works on three major pillars: in silico RNA design algorithms, in vitro synthesis of functional RNA molecules, and in vivo delivery optimization using DNA vectors, peptides, and polymer capsules. Current projects target HIV-1, HPV-16, and disease-related cellular genes.

Delivery Innovation:
Key contributions include novel delivery strategies like dumbbell-shaped DNA vectors, cell-penetrating peptides, and micrometer-scale polymer capsules enabling RNA delivery into stem cells for gene therapy and vaccination.

Scientific Recognition:

• 2 patent applications in nucleic acid delivery
• Published in high-impact journals like Nature Biotechnology and Nucleic Acids Research