Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 8, 2026

08:15
Self-Assembly of Gamma-Modified Peptide Nucleic Acids into Complex Nanostructures in Organic Solvent Mixtures
Published on: June 26, 2020
Nucleic acid/organic polymer hybrid materials: synthesis, superstructures, and applications
Minseok Kwak1, Andreas Herrmann
1Department of Polymer Chemistry, Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 4, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands.
Angewandte Chemie (International Ed. in English)
|September 17, 2010
Summary
This review highlights nucleic acid/polymer hybrids, novel materials with potential in nanoscience and medicine. These structures offer unique properties for advanced applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Extensive research exists on protein/peptide-polymer hybrids.
- Nucleic acid/polymer hybrids are less explored but promising.
- Covalent bonding connects biomacromolecules and synthetic polymers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review existing examples of nucleic acid/polymer hybrid materials.
- To discuss fabrication methods for these hybrids.
- To explore their applications in nanoscience, diagnostics, and biomedicine.
Main Methods:
- Review of literature on nucleic acid/polymer hybrids.
- Categorization of hybrid structures (block copolymers, side-chain polymers, networks).
- Discussion of fabrication techniques.
Main Results:
- Selected examples of nucleic acid/polymer hybrids are presented.
- Hybrid structures can be linear block copolymers, side-chain polymers, or cross-linked networks.
- Fabrication methods and diverse applications are discussed.
Conclusions:
- Nucleic acid/polymer hybrids represent an exciting class of materials.
- These hybrids offer significant potential in nanoscience, diagnostics, and biomedicine.
- Further development in fabrication and application is warranted.
Related Concept Videos
Nucleic Acid Structure
The pentose sugar in DNA is deoxyribose, while in RNA the pentose sugar is ribose. The difference between the sugars is the presence of the hydroxyl group on the ribose's second carbon and a hydrogen on the deoxyribose's second carbon. The phosphate residue attaches to the hydroxyl group of the 5′ carbon of one sugar and the hydroxyl group of the 3′ carbon of the sugar of the next nucleotide, which forms a 5′ to 3′ phosphodiester linkage.
DNA Structure
DNA has a double-helix structure. The...
DNA Structure
DNA has a double-helix structure. The...
Polymers
The word polymer is derived from the Greek words “poly” which means “many” and “mer” which means “parts”. Polymers are long chains of molecules composed of repeating units of smaller molecules, known as monomers. They either occur naturally, such as DNA and proteins, or can be constructed synthetically, like plastics. They have varied structural characteristics, such as linear chains, branched chains, or complex networks, that contribute to the properties that they exhibit. Additionally,...
Polymers
The word polymer is derived from the Greek words “poly” which means “many” and “mer” which means “parts”. Polymers are long chains of molecules composed of repeating units of smaller molecules, known as monomers. They either occur naturally, such as DNA and proteins, or can be constructed synthetically, like plastics. They have varied structural characteristics, such as linear chains, branched chains, or complex networks, that contribute to the properties that they exhibit. Additionally,...
Polymers
The word polymer is derived from the Greek words “poly” which means “many” and “mer” which means “parts”. Polymers are long chains of molecules composed of repeating units of smaller molecules, known as monomers. They either occur naturally, such as DNA and proteins, or can be constructed synthetically, like plastics. They have varied structural characteristics, such as linear chains, branched chains, or complex networks, that contribute to the properties that they exhibit. Additionally,...
Characteristics and Nomenclature of Homopolymers
Polymers that are made up of identical monomer units are called homopolymers. Only one repeating unit is involved in the construction of the homopolymer structure. For example, as depicted in Figure 1, polypropylene is a homopolymer constituted of propylene monomers. Here, the only repeating unit in the polymer chain is propylene.
Nucleic Acids
Nucleic acids are the most important macromolecules for the continuity of life. They carry the cell's genetic blueprint and carry instructions for its functioning.
DNA and RNA
The two main types of nucleic acids are deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA). DNA is the genetic material in all living organisms, ranging from single-celled bacteria to multicellular mammals. It is in the nucleus of eukaryotes and in the organelles, chloroplasts, and mitochondria. In prokaryotes, the...
DNA and RNA
The two main types of nucleic acids are deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA). DNA is the genetic material in all living organisms, ranging from single-celled bacteria to multicellular mammals. It is in the nucleus of eukaryotes and in the organelles, chloroplasts, and mitochondria. In prokaryotes, the...

