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DNA in a material world

Nature volume 421, pages 427–431 (2003)Cite this article

Abstract

The specific bonding of DNA base pairs provides the chemical foundation for genetics. This powerful molecular recognition system can be used in nanotechnology to direct the assembly of highly structured materials with specific nanoscale features, as well as in DNA computation to process complex information. The exploitation of DNA for material purposes presents a new chapter in the history of the molecule.

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Figure 1: Assembly of branched DNA molecules.
Figure 2: Two-dimensional DNA arrays.
Figure 3: A rotary DNA nanomachine.
Figure 4: Applications of DNA scaffolds.

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Acknowledgements

This work has been supported by grants from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences, the Office of Naval Research, the National Science Foundation, and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency/Air Force Office of Scientific Research.

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  1. Department of Chemistry, New York University, New York, 10003, USA

    Nadrian C. Seeman

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  1. Nadrian C. Seeman
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Correspondence to Nadrian C. Seeman.

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Seeman, N. DNA in a material world. Nature 421, 427–431 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1038/nature01406

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