Supramolecular architectures generated by self-assembly of guanosine derivatives.
Nature's use of a simple genetic code to enable life's complex functions is an inspiration for supramolecular chemistry. DNA nucleobases carry the key information utilizing a variety of cooperative and non-covalent interactions such as hydrophobic, van der Waals, pi-pi stacking, ion-dipole and hydrogen bonding. This tutorial review describes some recent advances in the form and function provided by self-assembly of guanine (G) based systems. We attempt to make connections between the structures of the assemblies and their properties. The review begins with a brief historical context of G self-assembly in water and then describes studies on lipophilic guanosine analogs in organic solvents. The article also focuses on examples of how G analogs have been used as building blocks for functional applications in supramolecular chemistry, material science and nanotechnology.
Davis
Jeffery T
JT
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, USA. jdavis@umd.edu
Spada
Gian Piero
GP
D015374:Biosensing Techniques; D003460:Crystallization; D004247:DNA / Q000737:chemistry; D019281:Dimerization; D054856:G-Quadruplexes; D006151:Guanosine / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000737:chemistry*; D046911:Macromolecular Substances / Q000737:chemistry; D036103:Nanotechnology
D046911:Macromolecular Substances; D006151:Guanosine; D004247:DNA