DNA–nanotube hybrids: Small 1/2010

The cover picture shows single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) and carbon nanotubes (CNT), which, although never encountering one another in nature, spontaneously self-assemble into hybrid nanomaterials with unique properties that derive from these two components. Nanotechnological applications of this material include CNT solubilization and separation, detection of DNA hybridization, and chemical sensing. Previous experiments and computations have shown that ssDNA can assume many different conformations about the CNT, including the helical wrapping shown here. Free-energy calculations reveal that attractive van der Waals interactions between DNA bases and the CNT sidewall drive the self-assembly of the hybrid. For more information please read the Communication “The Nature of DNA-Base–Carbon-Nanotube Interactions” by R. R. Johnson, A. T. C. Johnson, et al., beginning on page 31.