Cover Picture: Synthesis of Nucleobase-Functionalized Carbon Nanotubes and Their Hybridization with Single-Stranded DNA (Chem. Asian J. 12/2014)

Abstract

Single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) has been wrapped for the first time around nucleobase-attached single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs), as reported by Jih Ru Hwu et al. in their Communication on page 3408 ff. The hybridization involved the formation of hydrogen bonds between dT of ssDNA and dA of functionalized SWCNTs. In this system, the ssDNA can be liberated from the resultant hybrids at 50–55 °C. This system deviates from the reported π–π stacking between the nucleobases of DNA and the external sidewalls of nude nanotubes. The novel approach for functionalization of SWCNTs holds great potential for biotechnological and therapeutic applications.