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Monday, 29th June 2009 (5252 views)

Researchers in Japan have developed new DNA boxes that can be used to create platforms for gold nanoparticles.

Makoto Komiyama and Akinori Kuzuya, scientists at the University of Tokyo, created the structures after expanding their work in the field of two-dimensional 'nanotechnology origami' and exploring possibilities in the third dimension, Chemical Science reports.

The structures are designed in such a way that a molecule made from the precious metal can be placed inside before extra DNA strands are added to close the box.

Mr Komiyama told the news source that the boxes are similar in size to virus capsids - which are increasingly being used as nanocontainers - but are easier to modify.

However, he explained that the process is still difficult, noting that tests need to be carried out to investigate whether "useful guests like proteins will enter such a small space and stay there".

Gold nanoparticles have a variety of different applications and earlier this year scientists at the Institute of Chemical and Engineering Sciences in Singapore suggested that they can be used to develop thin coatings for LCD screens.

 

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