Research Highlight: Deoxyribonucleic Acid Based Nanotechnology

Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is the coding material in living organisms. Complementary pairs of nucleobases contribute to the Watson-Crick helical shape of DNA. The nucleobases are connected through hydrogen bonding. This unique feature not only allows for genetic information to be stored but also the assembly of complex nanostructures. DNA-based nanotechnology utilizes DNA as the engineering materials. DNA nanodevices can be designed to work as a drug carrier with programmable selectivity, sensor and computer. Since DNA is a natural material, the application of DNA nanodevices in a biological environment ranging from the relatively simple cell to a complex living organism is a complex, risky but rewarding task.