Templated DNA Nanotechnology ― Functional DNA Nanoarchitectonics

Nucleic acids have structurally evolved over billions of years to effectively store and transfer the genetic information. The disruptive thinking of Nadrian Seeman in the 1980s led to utilizing DNA as nanomolecular building blocks to construct emergent molecular systems and nanomaterial objects. This bottom-up approach to construct nanoscale architectures with DNA marked the beginning of a new field, DNA nanotechnology, contributing significantly to the broad area of nanoscience and nanotechnology. The molecular architectonics of small “designer” molecules and short DNA sequences through complementary binding interaction engenders well-defined functional nanoarchitectures with realistic applications in areas ranging from biology to materials science and is termed “DNA nanoarchitectonics.”

This book covers novel approaches adapted by leading researchers from different parts of the world to create functional nucleic acid molecular systems and nanoarchitectures. Individual chapters contributed by active practitioners provide fundamental and advanced knowledge emanated from their own work and others’. Each chapter includes numerous illustrations, historical perspectives, case studies and practical examples, critical discussions, and future prospects.

Thimmaiah Govindaraju is associate professor at the New Chemistry Unit, JNCASR, Bengaluru, India.