On October 15, 2026, Alyna Ong had successfully defended her doctoral thesis titled "(Scanning) Transmission Electron Microscopy Characterisation of DNA Origami Nanostructures"!

Her research focused on optimising (scanning) transmission electron microscopy ((S)TEM) for the structural characterisation of DNA origami nanostructures under both dry-state and liquid-phase conditions. She optimised imaging conditions, examined how sample preparation affects structural integrity, and confirmed the successful attachment of gold nanoparticles to DNA origami. Alyna also demonstrated imaging of DNA origami in aqueous solution using graphene liquid cells, opening new possibilities for studying these nanostructures in liquid environments.

These findings establish a foundation for further research into DNA-based nanostructures and their behaviour under conditions closer to their natural environment.

Supervisors/ Mentors:

• Dr. Bernd Rellinghaus
• Prof. Dr. Karl Leo
• Prof. Dr. Michael Mertig
• Prof. Dr. Ralf Seidel († July 2026)

Examination Committee:

• Chair: Prof. Dr. Jens-Uwe Sommer
• Prof. Dr. Karl Leo
• Prof. Dr. Lukas Eng
• Prof. Dr. Sebastian Reineke