The Open Nanoscience Journal

2007, 1 : 19-31
Published online 2007 September 10. DOI: 10.2174/1874140100701010019
Publisher ID: TONANOJ-1-19

Nanotechnology and Nucleic Acids

Yuri M. Yevdokimov and V.V. Sytchev
Institute of Molecular Biology of the RAS, 119991 Moscow, Vavilova str. 32, Russia.

ABSTRACT

The peculiarities of two approaches in the nanodesign based on the double-stranded nucleic acid molecules are considered. Main attention is devoted to the formation and properties of nanoconstructions based on the double-stranded DNA molecules and the complexes with chitosan, fixed in the spatial structure of particles of their cholesteric liquidcrystalline dispersions, and cross-linked by artificial nanobridges consisting of alternating copper ions and daunomycin molecules. In contrast to initial DNA liquid-crystalline particles, the structure of resulting nanoconstruction is not “liquidcrystalline” any more; rather it is rigid, crystal-like, three-dimensional structure. The formed nanoconstructions possess the unique spatial and optical properties; this opens a gate for their application in biotechnology and medicine.

Keywords:

Nanotechnology, nanostucture, biological macromolecules.