Scientists have created stable DNA circuits that can more efficiently transport charge, paving the way for a new generation of bio-devices. In the study published in the journal Nature Nanotechnology, a special form, known as G-quadruplex (G4) DNA is used to improve charge transport properties. G4 DNA is composed of four rather than two strands of DNA that are rich in the nucleotide guanine. However the molecule can also assemble to form G4 DNA. Earlier efforts to create such a Y-shaped electrical junction using only conventional double-stranded DNA had failed, due to the very poor charge transport properties inherent in the circuit's junction points.Using G4 DNA as a connector element in multi-ended DNA junctions was shown to dramatically improve charge transport through both three and four terminal DNA circuits.

Source: dna February 27, 2018 12:22 UTC