title: DNA-based applications in nanobiotechnology.
abstract: Biological molecules such as deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) have shown great potential in fabrication and construction of nanostructures and devices. The very properties that make DNA so effective as genetic material also make it a very suitable molecule for programmed self-assembly. The use of DNA to assemble metals or semiconducting particles has been extended to construct metallic nanowires and functionalized nanotubes. This paper highlights some important aspects of conjugating the unique physical properties of dots or wires with the remarkable recognition capabilities of DNA which could lead to miniaturizing biological electronics and optical devices, including biosensors and probes. Attempts to use DNA-based nanocarriers for gene delivery are discussed. In addition, the ecological advantages and risks of nanotechnology including DNA-based nanobiotechnology are evaluated.
authors.affiliation: King Abdullah Institute for Nanotechnology and Centre of Excellence in Biotechnology, King Saud University, PO Box 2454, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia. abusalah@ksu.edu.sa
authors.forename: Khalid M
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Abu-Salah
authors.forename: Anees A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Ansari
authors.forename: Salman A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Alrokayan
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D015374:Biosensing Techniques; D001709:Biotechnology; D004247:DNA / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018014:Gene Transfer Techniques; D006801:Humans; D049329:Nanostructures; D036103:Nanotechnology; D045663:Quantum Dots; D013499:Surface Properties
chemical_list: D004247:DNA