Description
Book SynopsisApplications of nucleic acids have developed recently to provide solutions for biosensors, diagnostic tools and as platforms for the assembly of complex structures. These developments have been possible as their base sequence can be used to assemble precise structures following simple and predictable rules. Self-assembled DNA can then be amplified using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and this ultimately enables the preparation of synthetic nucleic acids. Their use as molecular tools or DNA-conjugates has recently been enhanced by the addition of other groups including enzymes, fluorophores and small molecules. Written by leaders in the field, this volume describes the preparation and application of these DNA-conjugates. Several have been used as sensors (aptamers, riboswitches and nanostructures) based on the ability of nucleic acids to adopt specific structures in the presence of ligands, whilst others link reporter groups such as proteins or fluorophores to RNA or DNA for detection, single molecule studies, and increasing the sensitivity of PCR. The book is relevant to researchers in areas related to analytical chemistry, chemical biology, medicinal chemistry, molecular pharmacology, and structural and molecular biology.
Table of ContentsFluorophore-functionalised Locked Nucleic Acids (LNAs); Fluorophore Conjugates for Single Molecule Work; Small Molecule–Oligonucleotide Conjugates; Small Molecule–RNA Conjugates; Click Chemistry – a Versatile Method for Nucleic Acid Labelling, Cyclisation and Ligation; Therapeutic Applications of Nucleic Acid Aptamer Conjugates; pH Sensitive DNA Devices; Making Sense of Catalysis: The Potential of DNAzymes as Biosensors; Electrochemical Techniques as Powerful Readout Methods for Aptamer-based Biosensors; Oligonucleotide Conjugates for Detection of Specific Nucleic Acid Sequences; Nucleic Acid–Nanoparticle Conjugate Sensors for Use with Surface Enhanced Resonance Raman Scattering (SERRS); Covalent and Non-covalent Conjugates of Oligonucleotides as Artificial Restriction DNA Cutters
