DNA Block Copolymers - Synthesis

The highly specific base pairing of DNA serves not only as the genetic code for life but also as the building block in the design of novel materials owing to its remarkable features. In the last decade significant research has focused on using DNA as a synthetically programmable binding motif for the preparation of new materials with preconceived architectural parameters and properties. Such materials have led to the development of new biological detection schemes, novel nanostructures, and the construction of nanoelectronic devices. Recently, polymer chemistry and molecular biology have converged to create a new type of hybrid material, made of oligodeoxynucleotides and organic polymers. By combining these two materials, DNA block copolymers are generated, which have properties that cannot be realized using polymers or nucleic acids alone. This exceptional class of block polymers has quickly found application in the fields of DNA detection, gene therapy and nanoscience. This book describes the automated synthetic methods how to synthesize these hybrid materials and gives insight to the self-assembly at the nanoscale. Finally, biotechnological applications will be discussed.