Abstract
This chapter describes the liquid crystal properties of DNA for use in biosensors. Under definite conditions, the double-stranded DNA molecules form the cholesteric liquid crystals (LC) or liquid-crystalline dispersions (LCD). The ordering of the DNA molecules in LC or in LCD does not destroy ability of these molecules to recognize and address the chemical or biologically active compounds which are reacting with the DNA nitrogen bases. For the DNA cholesteric LC or LCD an abnormal optical activity in region absorption of nitrogen bases is specific. It means that these LC can amplify an optical signal generated because of interaction of studied compounds with the DNA nitrogen bases in content of LC. For colored compound forming strong complex with the DNA nitrogen bases, at least two bands are theoretically predicted in the CD spectrum. The amplitudes and signs of these bands are depending on the established experimental conditions. Detection of presence and concentration of biologically active compounds differing in their structures as well as mode of their interaction with the DNA is illustrated for water–salt solutions, and biological liquids.
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