At the Crossroads of Chemistry, Biology, and Materials: Structural DNA Nanotechnology

Nadrian C. Seeman

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

Abstract

Structural DNA nanotechnology consists of combining unusual DNA motifs by specific structurally well-defined cohesive interactions (primarily sticky ends) to produce target materials with predictable 3D structures. This effort has generated DNA polyhedral catenanes, robust nanomechanical devices, and a variety of periodic arrays in two dimensions. The system has been used to produce specific patterns on the mesoscale through designing and combining specific DNA strands, which are then examined by atomic force microscopy. The combination of these constructions with other chemical components is expected to contribute to the development of nanoelectronics, nanorobotics, and smart materials. The organizational capabilities of structural DNA nanotechnology are just beginning to be explored, and the field is expected ultimately to be able to organize a variety of species that will lead to exciting and possibly revolutionary materials.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1151-1159
Number of pages9
JournalChemistry and Biology
Volume10
Issue number12
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 2003

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Medicine
  • Molecular Biology
  • Pharmacology
  • Drug Discovery
  • Clinical Biochemistry

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