Advances in Catalytic DNA

Dear Colleagues,

It is now well accepted that DNA is no longer solely used for the storage and delivery of the genetic information in living systems. Indeed, DNA has also been shown to exhibit interesting enzyme-like catalytic activities. DNA-based enzymes (also called deoxyribozymes or DNAzymes) are single-stranded DNA molecules that are obtained by in vitro selection and that can catalyse specific chemical transformations.

In the meantime, double-stranded DNA also offers interesting catalytic features. Indeed, by anchoring a metallic co‑factor within the chiral double helix of DNA, it is now possible to program DNA to act as artificial metalloenzymes. The concept has been successfully applied to a variety of chemical transformations including Michael and oxo-Michael additions, Friedel–Crafts alkylations and both inter- and intramolecular cyclopropanations just to name a few.

Together, these catalytic DNAs offer a variety of potential biotechnological, biomedical and industrial applications. This Special Issue of Molecules, “Advances in Catalytic DNA”, aims at addressing the principles, the latest developments and the various applications of DNA-based catalysis. We cordially invite all researchers involved in this exciting field to contribute to the success of this Special Issue.

Prof. Michael Smietana
Dr. Stellios Arseniyadis
Prof. Sabine Müller
Guest Editors

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