Written by the founder of the field, this is a comprehensive and accessible introduction to structural DNA nanotechnology.

The series Topics in Current Chemistry Collections presents critical reviews from the journal Topics in Current Chemistry organized in topical volumes. The scope of coverage is all areas of chemical science including the interfaces with related disciplines such as biology, medicine and materials science. The goal of each thematic volume is to give the non-specialist reader, whether in academia or industry, a comprehensive insight into an area where new research is emerging which is of interest to a larger scientific audience. Each review within the volume critically surveys one aspect of that topic and places it within the context of the volume as a whole. The most significant developments of the last 5 to 10 years are presented using selected examples to illustrate the principles discussed. The coverage is not intended to be an exhaustive summary of the field or include large quantities of data, but should rather be conceptual, concentrating on the methodological thinking that will allow the non-specialist reader to understand the information presented. Contributions also offer an outlook on potential future developments in the field. The chapter "DNA-Programmed Chemical Synthesis of Polymers and Inorganic Nanomaterials" is available open access under a CC BY 4.0 License via link.springer.com.

This book covers the emerging topic of DNA nanotechnology and DNA supramolecular chemistry in its broader sense. By taking DNA out of its biological role, this biomolecule has become a very versatile building block in materials chemistry, supramolecular chemistry and bio-nanotechnology. Many novel structures have been realized in the past decade, which are now being used to create molecular machines, drug delivery systems, diagnosis platforms or potential electronic devices. The book combines many aspects of DNA nanotechnology, including formation of functional structures based on covalent and non-covalent systems, DNA origami, DNA based switches, DNA machines, and alternative structures and templates. This broad coverage is very appealing since it combines both the synthesis of modified DNA as well as designer concepts to successfully plan and make DNA nanostructures. Contributing authors have provided first a general introduction for the non-specialist reader, followed by a more in-depth analysis and presentation of their topic. In this way the book is attractive and useful for both the non-specialist who would like to have an overview of the topic, as well as the specialist reader who requires more information and inspiration to foster their own research.

DNA Nanoscience: From Prebiotic Origins to Emerging Nanotechnology melds two tales of DNA. One is a look at the first 35 years of DNA nanotechnology to better appreciate what lies ahead in this emerging field. The other story looks back 4 billion years to the possible origins of DNA which are shrouded in mystery. The book is divided into three parts comprised of 15 chapters and two Brief Interludes. Part I includes subjects underpinning the book such as a primer on DNA, the broader discipline of nanoscience, and experimental tools used by the principals in the narrative. Part II examines the field of structural DNA nanotechnology, founded by biochemist/crystallographer Nadrian Seeman, that uses DNA as a construction material for nanoscale structures and devices, rather than as a genetic material. Part III looks at the work of physicists Noel Clark and Tommaso Bellini who found that short DNA (nanoDNA) forms liquid crystals that act as a structural gatekeeper, orchestrating a series of self-assembly processes using nanoDNA. This led to an explanation of the polymeric structure of DNA and of how life may have emerged from the prebiotic clutter.

DNA ORIGAMI Discover the impact and multidisciplinary applications of this subfield of DNA nanotechnology DNA origami refers to the technique of assembling single-stranded DNA template molecules into target two- and three-dimensional shapes at the nanoscale. This is accomplished by annealing templates with hundreds of DNA strands and then binding them through the specific base-pairing of complementary bases. The inherent properties of these DNA molecules—molecular recognition, self-assembly, programmability, and structural predictability—has given rise to intriguing applications from drug delivery systems to uses in circuitry in plasmonic devices. The first book to examine this important subfield, DNA Origami brings together leading experts from all fields to explain the current state and future directions of this cutting-edge avenue of study. The book begins by providing a detailed examination of structural design and assembly systems and their applications. As DNA origami technology is growing in popularity in the disciplines of chemistry, materials science, physics, biophysics, biology, and medicine, interdisciplinary studies are classified and discussed in detail. In particular, the book focuses on DNA origami used for creating new functional materials (combining chemistry and materials science; DNA origami for single-molecule analysis and measurements (as applied in physics and biophysics); and DNA origami for biological detection, diagnosis and therapeutics (medical and biological applications). DNA Origami readers will also find: A complete guide for newcomers that brings together fundamental and developmental aspects of DNA origami technology Contributions by a leading team of experts that bring expert views from different angles of the structural developments and applications of DNA origami An emerging and impactful research topic that will be of interest in numerous multidisciplinary areas A helpful list of references provided at the end of each chapter to give avenues for further study Given the wide scope found in this groundbreaking work, DNA Origami is a perfect resource for nanotechnologists, biologists, biophysicists, chemists, materials scientists, medical scientists, and pharmaceutical researchers.

This book is intended for non-specialists and students, presenting a unique introduction to the field of DNA nanotechnology. The primary focus is on the extraordinary advantages of specificity and sensitivity obtained by integrating DNA nanostructures in bioanalytical devices.DNA Nanotechnology for Bioanalysis provides a concise and rigorous description for the fabrication of various types of functional nanostructures by optimized software-aided high-yield synthesis. Following this is the explanation of methods to decorate these nanostructures with molecules such as proteins, metal nanoparticles or bioorganic moieties covalently bonded onto DNA via self-assemblage processes. Also provided is a concise review on non-canonical DNA structures (such as G-quadruplexes) and their targeting by small molecules for applications in pharmacology. Finally, it describes the exciting applications of DNA nanostructures in life sciences and nanomedicine, including ultraspecific molecular delivery, control of cell behavior, analysis of cell lysate and DNA-based nano-tools for super-resolution sub-cellular imaging.

Currently, nanotechnology is exposing the properties of DNA in unprecedented detail leading to new insights on the biological behavior and function of DNA. With the structural perfection of a self-assembling DNA nano-object, such as a DNA origami, it is clear how complex DNA is as a molecule, leading researchers to wonder how many different constructs could be designed and realized. DNA Nanotechnology: Methods and Protocols shows the procedures to follow in order to repeat methods that lead to such constructs or to the mastering of the characterization techniques used to study them. The chapters of this book are roughly divided into two parts: some cover the methods for preparing the nanostructures, from the rationale of the operations to the techniques for their handling, while other chapters deal more directly with advanced instrumental techniques that can manipulate and characterize molecules and nanostructures. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular BiologyTM series format, chapters contain introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and notes on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and accessible, DNA Nanotechnology: Methods and Protocols serves as an ideal guide to scientists of all backgrounds and aims to ignite interest and spur activity in this young and rapidly growing research field. Includes cutting-edge methods and protocols Provides step-by-step detail essential for reproducible results Contains key notes and implementation advice from the experts