Evolution of Structural DNA Nanotechnology

Abstract

The research field entitled structural DNA nanotechnology emerged in the beginning of the 1980s as the first immobile synthetic nucleic acid junctions were postulated and demonstrated. Since then, the field has taken huge leaps toward advanced applications, especially during the past decade. This Progress Report summarizes how the controllable, custom, and accurate nanostructures have recently evolved together with powerful design and simulation software. Simultaneously they have provided a significant expansion of the shape space of the nanostructures. Today, researchers can select the most suitable fabrication methods, and design paradigms and software from a variety of options when creating unique DNA nanoobjects and shapes for a plethora of implementations in materials science, optics, plasmonics, molecular patterning, and nanomedicine.

DNA nanotechnology flourishes. Here, the recent progress of structural DNA nanotechnology is reviewed by presenting versatile design strategies and computer-aided software for design and simulation of nanoshapes. Evolution in the field is projected to lead to the development of novel biomaterials and advanced applications.

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