Advancing the use of DNA in nanotechnology with new technique that dissolves DNA in organic solvents
Friday, November 16, 2012 - 07:31
in Physics & Chemistry
Carrying the genetic code is already a vital job, but DNA is also proving to be a useful tool in nanotechnology applications. Since the DNA molecule is a versatile building block, it can be used to construct molecular devices. DNA structures known as 'DNAzymes' can also act as catalysts for certain chemical reactions. However, the inability to dissolve DNA in anything but water has hindered progress. Now, DNA can be dissolved in a range of organic solvents, without destroying its folded structure, thanks to a discovery by Hiroshi Abe, Yoshihiro Ito and their colleagues at the RIKEN Advanced Science Institute, Wako.