Dynamism of Supramolecular DNA/RNA Nanoarchitectonics: From Interlocked Structures to Molecular Machines

Abstract

Abstract In order to fabricate highly sophisticated nanostructures, various research fields must be fused into one unified concept. In recently emerging nanoarchitectonics, nanotechnology is combined with materials science, supramolecular self-assembly, and biological science to construct functional materials from nanoscale units. This review article focuses on dynamic features of nanoarchitectonics. In terms of this concept, molecular machines as one of the forefront research targets are produced from DNA and RNA. Fundamental designs of DNA/RNA molecular machines are first described with an emphasis on the significant roles of interlocked structures such as rings, catenanes, rotaxanes, and connectors of these parts. In the latter part, DNA/RNA molecular machines including shuttles, molecular transporters, walkers, nano pumps, robots, amplifiers, and logic gates are presented, together with related functions such as sensitive sensing and catalysis regulation. The exemplified strategy should be universally useful to fabricate various functional materials which fulfill social demands at the present as well as in the future.