Towards an increase of the hierarchy in the construction of DNA-based nanostructures through the integration of inorganic materials

Hierarchical self-assembly is nature's solution to build up complex structures starting from components that are orders of magnitude smaller. This integration of components over disparate length scales might include inorganic matter. Along this line, it has been speculated about the possibility of constructing intricate hybrid structures composed of inorganics and proteins.Our understanding about recognition mechanisms between DNA and inorganic materials is still far behind with respect to the case of proteins. Nucleic acid bases are differently adsorbed on the surface of crystalline graphite. The adsorption behavior on this surface of the bases is markedly different. One can tailor possible applications of this recognition effect to the self-assembled integration of inorganic material in the construction of complex DNA-based nanostructures.