Scientists Build DNA Nanoantenna

Recently, a team of researchers developed the world’s tiniest nanoantenna made of Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) to study changes in the structure of protein molecules.

Key Highlights: Process: A fluorescent molecule is first attached to the DNA, and then this fluorescent nanoantenna is attached to a biological nanomachine, such as an enzyme.

• Function: The nanoantenna works like a two-way radio that can both receive and transmit radio waves.
• It receives light in one wavelength, and depending on the protein changes it senses, it transmits light in another colour and this can be detected and studied.

Significance: In addition to helping understand how natural nanomachines function or malfunction, consequently leading to disease, this new method can also help chemists identify promising new drugs as well as guide nano engineers to develop improved nanomachines.

• Labs around the world, equipped with a conventional spectrofluorometer, could readily employ these nanoantennae to study their favourite protein, such as to identify new drugs or to develop new nanotechnologies.