Novel DNA materials and their applications

The forced extension of a DNA segment is studied in a series of steered molecular dynamics simulations, employing a broad range of pulling forces. Throughout the entire force range, the formation of a zipper-like (zip-) DNA structure is observed. In that structure, first predicted by Lohikoski et al., the bases of the DNA strands interdigitate with each other and form a single-base aromatic stack. Similar motifs, albeit only a few base pairs in extent, have been observed in experimental crystal structures. Analysis of the dynamics of structural changes in pulled DNA shows that S-form DNA, thought to be adopted by DNA under applied force, serves as an intermediate between B-DNA and zip-DNA. Therefore, the phase transition plateau observed in force–extension curves of DNA is suggested to reflect the B-DNA to zip-DNA structural transition. Electronic structure analysis of purine bases in zip-DNA indicates a several-fold to order of magnitude increase in the π–π electronic coupling among nearest-neighbor nucleobases, compared to B-DNA. We further observe that zip-DNA does not require base pair complementarity between DNA strands, and we predict that the increased electronic coupling in zip-DNA will result in a much higher rate of charge transfer through an all-purine zip-DNA compared to B-DNA of equal length.

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“…23,78 Such circuits would find applications in future electronics, biomedical diagnostics, materials design, and catalysis. 20,21,23 …”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

B-DNA to Zip-DNA: Simulating a DNA Transition to a Novel Structure with Enhanced Charge-Transport Characteristics

2011

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“…Further refinement is needed to (elevate/scale up) this technique to the industrial level. Research should be aimed at reducing cost and time of fabrication (Yang et al 2010). If these hurdles are effectively overcome, the real time applications of DNA nanostructures may be visible in the society.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Its unique complimentary nature, geometry and easy availability have made DNA the most popular choice in nanostructure synthesis (Yang et al 2010). DNA has also shown its potency as a scaffold by binding to other molecules in DNA nanodevices.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…DNA has also shown its potency as a scaffold by binding to other molecules in DNA nanodevices. It can also be used a guide to direct the assembly of nanowires, free standing membranes and crystals (Yang et al 2010). DNA has successfully amalgamated the fields of molecular biology, material sciences and engineering by its versatility as a building block for nanostructures.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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DNA Origami: What, How and Where

Joshi

Kundapura

Poovaiah

et al. 2014

Systems and Synthetic Biology

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DNA origami is the science of folding DNA molecules to make novel two and three dimensional shapes. The science of folding of DNA into pre-decided shapes was started by Paul Rothemund at California Institute of Technology. Rothemund explored a number of ways by which 7000 base pair viral genome could be folded into three dimensional shapes. He ordered DNA staples from a synthesis company, added them to the hybridization mixture and allowed sing stranded DNA to fold along the path of staples. The result was a smiley face visualized using atomic force microscopy. A number of novel inventions have come up in the recent years, inspired by Rothmund's work. More complex three dimensional shapes like drug-delivery nanocages, alphabets and numbers have been developed by self-folding DNA.

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“…Over the past two decades, the principles underlying nucleic acid structure and the polymeric characteristics of oligonucleotides have been exploited for synthesis of a variety of materials [1,2]. The precise alignment of DNA molecules by Watson-Crick basepairing has formed the basis of DNA-templated assembly of metal nanowires [3,4], conjugated polymers [5][6][7] and semiconductor nanoparticle assemblies [8].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%