'DNA circuits'
(Article Precis, 14/Nov/1998, Issue 2160, p7)
It may soon be possible to use DNA to connect together miniature
circuit devices, if a patent pending by the San Diego based
Nanotronics and the University of California is approved.
Different DNA substances which are known to bond together are applied
to a substrate's surface, and to the target component. Placed in a
soluable medium and brought together, the DNA coatings chemically
bond, securing the element to the substrate.
The technique can be used to coat large areas of a 2D or 3D surface
with a great number of nano-scale elements, eg. photodetectors in a
telescope sensor.
Note: In order to comply with copyright law, I have ommited some
details from the original article. Thus, for a complete insight into
the topic covered here, please either consult your local library for
the issue concerned, purchase the relevant issue from your local
newsagent, or back-order it from the publishers.
Precised by Ian Mapleson, 13/Nov/1998.