Immobilization and Visualization of DNA and Proteins on Carbon Nanotubes

Abstract

The application of carbon nanotubes in biology is promising owing to their many unique and favorable properties, from high tensile strength and high electrical conductivity to the ability to be wet by water. The use of nanotubes for the immobilization and visualization of DNA and proteins is illustrated. For example, good transmission electron microscopy images of DNA strands on the surface of carbon nanotubes can be obtained upon heavy-atom labeling. The potential biological applications of carbon nanotubes are also detailed, including their use as delivery vessels and in biomimetic systems.