Robert L. Letsinger
Robert L. Letsinger | |
|---|---|
| Born | July 31, 1921 |
| Died | May 26, 2014 (aged 92) |
| Nationality | American |
| Alma mater | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
| Known for | DNA Synthesis |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Biochemistry |
| Institutions | Northwestern University |
| Doctoral advisor | Avery Morton |
| Doctoral students | Marvin H. Caruthers, Kelvin Ogilvie |
Robert Lewis Letsinger (July 31, 1921 – May 26, 2014) was an American biochemist and was a professor of chemistry at Northwestern University. He was best known for his research and development of chemical synthesis of DNA.[1]
Life
Letsinger earned his
Work
In the 1960s, Letsinger developed methods for solid phase synthesis of oligonucleotides, including the phosphoric triester method[2] and the phosphoramidite synthesis. He thus laid the foundations for efficient automated synthesis of gene fragments and thus the rapid development of molecular biology.[3]
Letsingers later dealt with nanotechnology and its application in DNA diagnostics. In 2000, Letsinger was one of the founders of the biotechnology company Nanosphere Inc.
Awards
- 1956 Guggenheim Fellow[4]
- 1985 Rosenstiel Award
- 1986 Member of the National Academy of Sciences[5]
- 1988 Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences[6]
- 1993 Arthur C. Cope Scholar Award of the American Chemical Society
Personal life
Letsinger was married to Dorothy Thompson (1922-2010) in 1943. The couple had three children.[1]
References
- ^ a b Fellman, Megan (6 June 2014). "Pioneer in DNA Synthesis Dies at Age 92: Northwestern University News". www.northwestern.edu. Northwestern News. Retrieved 12 September 2016.
- .
- PMID 25422449.
- ^ "Robert L. Letsinger". John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation. Retrieved September 12, 2016.
- ^ "Robert L. Letsinger". National Academy of Sciences. Retrieved September 12, 2016.
- ^ "Book of Members, 1780–2010: Chapter L" (PDF). American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Retrieved September 12, 2016.