scope:

Evolutionally optimized biomolecules and their complexes present attractive objects in the production of functionalized nanoobjects. Indeed, nucleic acid-based molecules are primary candidates as building blocks for development of nanoscale systems and devices.

Written for chemists, physicists, molecular biologists, and students in related fields, Nanostructures and Nanoconstructions Based on DNA covers specific properties of metallic nanoparticles, and compares their properties with those related to nanoobjects formed by biological molecules. It also discloses details of formation and physicochemical peculiarities of the DNA nanostructures and DNA-based nanoconstructions. Furthermore, the book considers:

• The peculiarities of two approaches to structural DNA nanotechnology, i.e. to creation of spatial nanoobjects formed by DNA molecules and their complexes: (i) the hybridization approach and (ii) the liquid-crystalline approach
• The physicochemical properties of DNA nanostructures as well as "liquid" and "rigid" DNA-based nanoconstructions
• The connection of liquid crystalline phase formation in DNA with possible nanotechnological applications

This timely reference covers more DNA physics and molecular biology than any other published title. The authors discuss how nucleic acid molecules and their complexes with chemical and biologically active compounds are an area of increasing significance in the development of various nanoscale systems and devices of practical importance.