DNA nanotechnology: A curiosity or a promising technology?

Abstract

DNA nanotechnology, the design and self-assembly of artificial nucleic acid-based structures or systems, has developed with breathtaking pace in recent years. The technology offers an unparalleled ability to control structure and function at the molecular level and the sizes of the structures are expanding towards the micrometer domain. The question is whether the technology offers solutions to any real-life problems, or if it will remain an academic discipline. Here, we discuss this question by extrapolating from recent developments in the field. © 2013 Faculty of 1000 Ltd.