[DNA liquid-crystalline dispersion particles as a basis for sensitive biosensor elements]

The data on the morphology, structural parameters, and abnormal optical properties of particles of cholesteric liquid-crystalline dispersions of double-stranded DNA are reviewed. The general principles of the creation and operation of biosensing units based on particles of these suspensions, including dispersed particles immobilized in hydrogels, are described. Examples demonstrating the analytical potentialities of liquid-crystalline biosensing units are given. A method for constructing "sandwich"-type biosensing units based on the particles of liquid-crystalline dispersion formed from molecules of DNA-polycation complexes is described.