Posted: June 29, 2009

How to construct molecular architectures with nanoscale dimensions at whim

(Nanowerk News) How to construct molecular architectures with nanoscale dimensions at whim?
Can imagined shapes and objects be designed to self-build?
Are these useful?
An answer to all these questions is given in a new book by a Leicester Chemistry Lecturer, Dr Max Ryadnov.
The book, entitled Bionanodesign, discusses the design of nanostructures using Nature for inspiration. The main mission of the publication is to satisfy the demands that motivate the search for first principles in engineering biologically inspired nanostructures.
In this sense, the volume takes an unconventional approach in delivering the material of this kind. It does not lead straight to applications or methods as most nanotechnology works tend to do, but instead it admits the initial and primary stress on "nano" rather than on "technology".
The book has been written to satisfy the demands that motivate the search for and principles that prove to help the design of novel nanostructures. The overall goal is to compile the existing understanding of rules that govern bimolecular self-assembly into a practical guide to molecular nanotechnology. It is written in the shape of a review referenced as fully as permissible within the context of bimolecular design, which forms a general trend throughout.
The book has three core chapters highlighting three prominent topics of nanoscience and technology where the role of nanodesign is predominant:
  • using DNA to create various geometric nanoscale objects and patterns
  • the pursuit of an artificial virus to use as a magic bullet in gene therapy
  • designing synthetic nanomatrices for regenerative medicine.
  • The title is the latest in the RSC Nanoscience & Nanotechnology book series designed to cover the wide ranging areas of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology and provides a comprehensive source of information on research associated with nanostructured materials.
    Source: University of Leicester