DNA nanotechnology and fluorescence applications

Curr Opin Biotechnol. 2016 Jun:39:41-47. doi: 10.1016/j.copbio.2015.12.014. Epub 2016 Jan 13.

Abstract

Structural DNA nanotechnology allow researchers to use the unique molecular recognition properties of DNA strands to construct nanoscale objects with almost arbitrary complexity in two and three dimensions. Abstracted as molecular breadboards, DNA nanostructures enable nanometer-precise placement of guest molecules such as proteins, fluorophores, or nanoparticles. These assemblies can be used to study biological phenomena with unprecedented control over number, spacing, and molecular identity. Here, we give a general introduction to structural DNA nanotechnology and more specifically discuss applications of DNA nanostructures in the field of fluorescence and plasmonics.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • DNA / chemistry*
  • Fluorescence
  • Fluorescent Dyes / chemistry*
  • Nanostructures / chemistry
  • Nanotechnology / methods*
  • Proteins / chemistry

Substances

  • Fluorescent Dyes
  • Proteins
  • DNA