DNA: blueprint, contractor and construction worker for new structures
Date: 3.2.2008
Researchers from Northwestern University have reported using DNA as the blueprint, contractor and construction worker to build a three-dimensional structure out of a lifeless material. Using just gold **nanoparticles** attached to DNA, the researchers built two different crystalline structures by merely changing strands of synthesized DNA. The technique was published today as the cover story in the journal "Nature":[ http:nature.com]. It is fundamental step toward building functional “designer” materials using **programmable self-assembly**.
Source: "www.northwestern.edu":[ http://www.northwestern.edu/newscenter/stories/2008/01/dnamirkin.html]
