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Review
. 2010:2010:715295.
doi: 10.1155/2010/715295. Epub 2010 Jun 28.

DNA-based applications in nanobiotechnology

Khalid M Abu-Salah  1 , Anees A Ansari, Salman A Alrokayan
Affiliations
Review

DNA-based applications in nanobiotechnology

Khalid M Abu-Salah et al. J Biomed Biotechnol. 2010.

Abstract

Biological molecules such as deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) have shown great potential in fabrication and construction of nanostructures and devices. The very properties that make DNA so effective as genetic material also make it a very suitable molecule for programmed self-assembly. The use of DNA to assemble metals or semiconducting particles has been extended to construct metallic nanowires and functionalized nanotubes. This paper highlights some important aspects of conjugating the unique physical properties of dots or wires with the remarkable recognition capabilities of DNA which could lead to miniaturizing biological electronics and optical devices, including biosensors and probes. Attempts to use DNA-based nanocarriers for gene delivery are discussed. In addition, the ecological advantages and risks of nanotechnology including DNA-based nanobiotechnology are evaluated.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
(a) Sequence of an immobile 4-armed DNA junction. (b) Formation of two dimensional lattice from a four-arm junction with sticky ends, X and Y are sticky ends, X′ and Y′ are their sticky ends, respectively. Courtesy of Nadrian C. Seeman.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Schematic presentation of immobilization of thiolated single-stranded probe DNA on the surface of ZnO for hybridization detection in double-stranded DNA (target DNA).
Figure 3
Figure 3
Organization of gold nanocrystals into spatially defined structures.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Schematic illustration of detecting DNA hybridization signal by integrating the electrical conductivity of nanoparticles using an electrical detection system.
Figure 5
Figure 5
Oligonucleotide molecules designed to form a stem loop structure with a fluorophore linked to the 5′ end and a quencher to the 3′ end [113].
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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