Book and Media Review pubs.acs.org/jchemeduc
Review of Materials Science of DNA Kristin B. Cederquist* nanoRETE, Inc., Lansing, Michigan 48910, United States increased conductivity, as well as the fabrication of ionic liquid films. These studies, which span decades, serve to highlight DNA as a versatile molecule with magneto-electrical properties that are highly dependent on its surrounding environment. The fields of DNA nanostructures and biosensors have been emphasized in recent years and receive attention in two chapters. Self-assembly of DNA into supramolecular complexes via base-pairing forms the basis for larger structures, such as tubes, tiles, lattices, polyhedra, cages, and complex shapes. This unique and precise control of bottom-up assembly lays the foundation for these constructions to be used for patches in wound healing and as a means of drug delivery. DNA coupled with inorganic nanoparticles such as gold nanospheres and carbon nanotubes similarly presage highly sensitive nextgeneration diagnostics and circuits. Aptamer DNA probes, which are selected to bind not only their complementary DNA, but also a wide range of other targets (including drugs, proteins, and small molecules), are expanding the versatility of DNA as sensor probes. A wide number of prototypical DNA biosensors are reviewed, with plenty of references, should readers wish to investigate further. To comprehend the entire collection of topics in Materials Science of DNA requires readers to have a strong interdisciplinary background; some chapters could be viewed as too narrowly focused. The organization of chapters is somewhat fragmented, with similar topics separated by an irrelevant article. Thus, this collection should be read as a series of shorter, independent treatises rather than a cohesive whole. Nevertheless, the book is an informative, up-to-date overview of DNA and DNA conjugates and would be a helpful reference for researchers in the field.
Materials Science of DNA by Jung-Il Jin and James Grote, Eds. CRC Press: Boca Raton, FL, 2011. pp. ISBN: 978-1439827413 (hardcover). $ 119.95.
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ince the discovery of the double-helical structure of DNA in 1954, this biopolymer has become the basis for numerous novel materials and devices. This compendium, Materials Science of DNA, authored by a diverse collection of researchers, explores a broad range of DNA-based technologies that have recently emerged in the fields of physics, films, and biotechnology.
Cover image provided by CRC Press and reproduced with permission.
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The importance of the structure of DNA cannot be overstated, as this is the source of its unique properties. Most of the chapters review the structure in at least a cursory manner, with illustrations where necessary. A number of solid discussions on thermodynamics and kinetics are touched upon with regard to binding of intercalator molecules, which often result in concomitant distortion of the DNA helix. This kinked or twisted DNA can serve as a gene regulator, and the different properties that emerge upon dye intercalation and either or both chelation and coordination with metal atoms can result in light and fluorescence amplification for photonics and bioLED devices. Typical materials characteristics are reviewed for dry and hydrated DNA, as well as thin DNA films. Electrical properties, such as conductivity, capacitance, and resistivity, are discussed with respect to temperature, humidity, base-pair composition, DNA length, extent of doping with other conductive polymers, and extent of hydration. Magnetic properties do not receive the same amount of focus, although they are discussed briefly with respect to hydration and the presence of metal cations. The book includes one particularly interesting and perhaps lesserknown role of DNA as a component of ionic liquids with © 2013 American Chemical Society and Division of Chemical Education, Inc.
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Published: March 19, 2013 408
dx.doi.org/10.1021/ed4001574 | J. Chem. Educ. 2013, 90, 408−408
