Abstract
The nonbiological uses of the double-helix structure oF DNA in the building of structures and devices whose essential elements and mechanisms range from 100 nanometers in size are discussed. Regular lattices made of DNA can hold copies of large biological molecules in an ordered array for x-ray crystallography to determine their structure. Alternatively, the lattices can serve as scaffolding for nanoelectronic components, either as a working device or as a step in the manufacture of a device. DNA machines with moving parts can be employed as nanomechanical sensors, switches and tweezers as well as for more elaborate robotic functions.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 64-75 |
Number of pages | 12 |
Journal | Scientific American |
Volume | 290 |
Issue number | 6 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jun 2004 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General