++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ALPER, J. USNCI launches nanotechnology plan NAT BIOTECHNOL V.22 NO.11 [NOV 2004] PP.1335-1336 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ WEBSTER, T.J.; HELLENMEYER, E.L.; PRICE, R.L. Increased osteoblast functions on theta plus delta nanofiber alumina BIOMATERIALS V.26 NO.9 [MAR 2004] PP.953-960 TJ Webster/Purdue Univ/Dept Biomed Engn/Potter Bldg/W Lafayette/IN 47907 USA ___________________________________________________ Nanophase materials, or materials with grain sizes less than 100 nm in at least one direction, are promising materials for various implant applica- tions since our tissues are composed of nanometer components (i.e., pro- teins and/or inorganics). Specifically, bone is comprised of nanostruc- tured hydroxyapatite and collagen fibers which continuously provide an extracellular matrix surface to bone-forming cells (osteoblasts) with a high degree of nanometer roughness. Despite this fact, materials currently utilized for orthopedic implants, whether metallic or ceramic, have consti- tuent grain sizes in the non-biologically inspired micron regime. For this reason, the objective of the present in vitro study was to determine osteoblast functions on one classification of nanomaterials for orthopedic applications: nanofiber alumina. Various crystalline forms of nanofiber alumina were tested in this study. To obtained different crystalline struc- tured nanofiber alumina, boehmite nanofiber alumina was sintered at either 400degreesC, 600degreesC, 800degreesC, 1000degreesC, or 1200degreesC for 2 h in air. X-ray diffraction results provided evidence that boehmite nano- fiber alumina remained boehmite when sintered at 400degreesC but changed crystalline phases to gamma, gamma + delta, theta + delta, and alpha when sintered at 600degreesC, 800degreesC, 1000degreesC, and 1200degreesC, res- pectively. Moreover, compared to any other alumina formulation tested in this study, osteoblast functions (as measured by alkaline phosphatase acti- vity and calcium deposition) were the greatest on theta + delta crystal- line phase nanofiber alumina after 14 days of culture. Boehmite had the next greatest amount of calcium deposition by osteoblasts followed by gamma + delta. Gamma crystalline phase then followed and was greater than alpha crystalline phase nanofiber alumina which promoted osteoblast fun- ctions the least of all the compacts with the exception of borosilicate glass (reference substrate). For this reason, this study suggests that theta + delta nanofiber alumina should be further investigated in ortho- pedic applications. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ JAIN, K.K. Applications of biochips: From diagnostics to personalized medicine [REVIEW] CURR OPIN DRUG DISCOV DEV V.7 NO.3 [MAY 2004] PP.285-289 KK Jain/JainPharmaBiotech/Blaesiring 7/CH-4057 Basel/SWITZERLAND ___________________________________________________ This review examines the role of advances in biochip and microarray techno- logies in the development of personalized medicine. Biochips (eg, GeneChip, CYP450, electrochemical biochips, protein biochips, microfluidic biochips and nanotechnology-based biochips) are assuming an important role in mole- cular diagnostics, and their application in point-of-care diagnosis is expected to facilitate the development of personalized medicine. Gene expression profiling by microarrays should advance the progress of persona- lized cancer treatment based on the molecular classification of subtypes. Reftnements in biochip miniaturization with the advent of nanotechnology will further contribute to molecular diagnostics and the development of personalized medicine. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ LEE, S.H.; MAO, C.D. DNA nanotechnology BIOTECHNIQUES V.37 NO.4 [OCT 2004] PP.517-519 SH Lee/Purdue Univ/Dept Chem/W Lafayette/IN 47907 USA ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ SKAFF, H.; EMRICK, T. Reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization from unprotected cadmium selenide nanoparticles ANGEW CHEM INT ED V.43 NO.40 [2004] PP.5383-5386 H Skaff/Univ Massachusetts/Dept Polymer Sci & Engn/120 Governors Dr/- Amherst/MA 01003 USA ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ BUSHEY, M.L.; NGUYEN, T.Q.; ZHANG, W.; HOROSZEWSKI, D.; NUCKOLLS, C. Using hydrogen bonds to direct the assembly of crowded aromatics [REVIEW] ANGEW CHEM INT ED V.43 NO.41 [2004] PP.5446-5453 C Nuckolls/Columbia Univ/Dept Chem/New York/NY 10027 USA ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ GOYA, R.G.; SARKAR, D.K.; BROWN, O.A.; HERENU, C.B. Potential of gene therapy for the treatment of pituitary tumors [REVIEW] CURR GENE THER V.4 NO.1 [MAR 2004] PP.79-87 RG Goya/UNLP/INIBIOLP/Fac Med/CC 455/RA-1900 La Plata/ARGENTINA ___________________________________________________ Pituitary adenomas constitute the most frequent neuroendocrine pathology, comprising up to 15% of primary intracranial tumors. Current therapies for pituitary tumors include surgery and radiotherapy, as well as pharmacolo- gical approaches for some types. Although all of these approaches have shown a significant degree of success, they are not devoid of unwanted side effects, and in most cases do not offer a permanent cure. Gene the- rapy-the transfer of genetic material for therapeutic purposes-has under- gone an explosive development in the last few years. Within this context, the development of gene therapy approaches for the treatment of pituitary tumors emerges as a promising area of research. We begin by presenting a brief account of the genesis of prolactinomas, with particular emphasis on how estradiol induces prolactinomas in animals. In so doing, we discuss the role of each of the recently discovered growth inhibitory and growth stimulatory substances and their interactions in estrogen action. We also evaluate the cell-cell communication that may govern these growth factor interactions and subsequently promote the growth and survival of prolacti- nomas. Current research efforts to implement gene therapy in pituitary tumors include the treatment of experimental prolactinomas or somatomammot- ropic tumors with adenoviral vector-mediated transfer of the suicide gene for the herpes simplex type I (HSV1) thymidine kinase, which converts the prodrug ganciclovir into a toxic metabolite. In some cases, the suicide transgene has been placed under the control of pituitary cell-type spe- cific promoters, like the human prolactin or human growth hormone promo- ters. Also, regulatable adenoviral vector systems are being assessed in gene therapy approaches for experimental pituitary tumors. In a different type of approach, an adenoviral vector, encoding the human retinoblastoma suppressor oncogene. has been successfully used to rescue the phenotype of spontaneous pituitary tumors of the pars intermedia in mice. We close the article by discussing the future of molecular therapies. We point out that although, gene therapy represents a key step in the development of mole- cular medicine, it has inherent limitations. As a consequence, it is our view that at some point, genetic therapies will have to move from exoge- nous gene transfer (i.e. gene therapy) to endogenous gene repair. This approach will call for radically new technologies, such as nanotechnology, whose present state of development is outlined. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ HOOD, E. Nanotechnology: Looking as we leap ENVIRON HEALTH PERSPECT V.112 NO.13 [SEP 2004] PP.A740-A749 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ POWELL, K. Green groups baulk at joining nanotechnology talks NATURE V.432 NO.7013 [NOV 4 2004] PP.5 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ HAMPTON, T. Nanotechnology and cancer JAMA-J AM MED ASSN V.292 NO.16 [OCT 27 2004] PP.1946 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ LEE, V.H.L. Nanotechnology: challenging the limit of creativity in targeted drug deli- very ADVAN DRUG DELIVERY REV V.56 NO.11 [SEP 22 2004] PP.1527-1528 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ PEPPAS, N.A. Intelligent therapeutics: biomimetic systems and nanotechnology in drug delivery ADVAN DRUG DELIVERY REV V.56 NO.11 [SEP 22 2004] PP.1529-1531 NA Peppas/Univ Texas/Lab Biomat/Austin/TX 78712 USA ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ HILT, J.Z. Nanotechnology and biomimetic methods in therapeutics: molecular scale control with some help from nature ADVAN DRUG DELIVERY REV V.56 NO.11 [SEP 22 2004] PP.1533-1536 JZ Hilt/Univ Kentucky/Dept Chem & Mat Engn/Lexington/KY 40506 USA ___________________________________________________ Nanoscale science and engineering has provided new avenues for engineering materials with macromolecular and even molecular precision. In particular, researchers are beginning to mimic biological systems, achieving molecular scale control via self-assembly and directed assembly techniques. Fabrica- tion and manipulation with macromolecular and molecular precision have led and will lead to the development of novel materials, and these materials will facilitate the fabrication of microand nanoscale devices, such as self-regulated micro- and nanoscale drug delivery devices that combine diagnostic and therapeutic actions for instantaneous administration of therapy. As the field of nanoscale science and engineering matures, techno- logies that will revolutionize the way health care is administered will continue to be developed. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ BASHIR, R. BioMEMS: state-of-the-art in detection, opportunities and prospects [REVIEW] ADVAN DRUG DELIVERY REV V.56 NO.11 [SEP 22 2004] PP.1565-1586 R Bashir/Purdue Univ/Sch Elect & Comp Engn/Dept Biomed Engn/LIBNA/Lab Integrated Biomed Micro Nanotechnol & Applica/W Lafayette/IN 47907 USA ___________________________________________________ In recent years, the biological and biomedical applications of micro- and nanotechnology (commonly referred to as Biomedical or Biological Micro- -Electro-Mechanical Systems [BioMEMS]) have become increasingly prevalent and have found widespread use in a wide variety of applications such as diagnostics, therapeutics, and tissue engineering. While research and deve- lopment activity in this field stays intense, some applications have also been commercialized. This article reviews the recent advances in this very exciting and important field and presents a summary of the state of the art in the area of BioMEMS focusing on diagnostics, sensing, and detection. The areas of therapeutics and hybrid bio/artificial devices will be pre- sented in more detail elsewhere [Biomedical Nanotechnology, Vol. I-IV, Maruo Ferrari (Ed.), Kluwer Academic Publishers, 2004, in press.] and here are discussed briefly in terms of future directions and prospects. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ PEPPAS, N.A.; HUANG, Y.B. Nanoscale technology of mucoadhesive interactions [REVIEW] ADVAN DRUG DELIVERY REV V.56 NO.11 [SEP 22 2004] PP.1675-1687 NA Peppas/Univ Texas/Dept Chem Engn/CPE 3-466/1 Univ Stn/C-0400/Austin/TX 78712 USA ___________________________________________________ Nanoscale analysis may be used to design new types of mucoadhesive poly- mers. Understanding of the surface interactions between hydrophilic polymer surfaces and mucins can lead to improved adhesive bonding by hyd- rogen bonding. Alternatively, decoration of a mucoadhesive polymer surface with tethers of linear and block copolymers containing neutral or ionizable structures provides increased interdigitation and interpenetra- tion with the mucus. Finally, formation of micro- or nanopatterns on these surfaces can lead to promising new systems of oral delivery applications. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ PANCOSKA, P.; MORAVEK, Z.; MOLL, U.M. Rational design of DNA sequences for nanotechnology, microarrays and mole- cular computers using Eulerian graphs NUCL ACID RES V.32 NO.15 [2004] PP.4630-4645 P Pancoska/SUNY Stony Brook/Dept Pathol/Stony Brook/NY 11794 USA ___________________________________________________ Nucleic acids are molecules of choice for both established and emerging nanoscale technologies. These technologies benefit from large functional densities of 'DNA processing elements' that can be readily manufactured. To achieve the desired functionality, polynucleotide sequences are cur- rently designed by a process that involves tedious and laborious filtering of potential candidates against a series of requirements and parameters. Here, we present a complete novel methodology for the rapid rational design of large sets of DNA sequences. This method allows for the direct implementation of very complex and detailed requirements for the generated sequences, thus avoiding 'brute force' filtering. At the same time, these sequences have narrow distributions of melting temperatures. The molecular part of the design process can be done without computer assistance, using an efficient 'human engineering' approach by drawing a single blueprint graph that represents all generated sequences. Moreover, the method elimi- nates the necessity for extensive thermodynamic calculations. Melting tem- perature can be calculated only once (or not at all). In addition, the isostability of the sequences is independent of the selection of a parti- cular set of thermodynamic parameters. Applications are presented for DNA sequence designs for microarrays, universal microarray zip sequences and electron transfer experiments. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ YANG, D.; ARMITAGE, B.; MARDER, S.R. Cubic liquid-crystalline nanoparticles [REVIEW] ANGEW CHEM INT ED V.43 NO.34 [2004] PP.4402-4409 SR Marder/Georgia Inst Technol/Sch Chem & Biochem/770 State St/Atlanta/GA 30332 USA ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ LI, Z.B.; KESSELMAN, E.; TALMON, Y.; HILLMYER, M.A.; LODGE, T.P. Multicompartment micelles from ABC miktoarm stars in water SCIENCE V.306 NO.5693 [OCT 1 2004] PP.98-101 MA Hillmyer/Univ Minnesota/Dept Chem/207 Pleasant St SE/Minneapolis/MN 55455 USA ___________________________________________________ By combining three mutually immiscible polymeric components in a mixed-arm star block terpolymer architecture, we have observed the formation of a previously unknown class of multicompartment micelles in dilute aqueous solution. Connection of water-soluble poly(ethylene oxide) and two hydro- phobic but immiscible components (a polymeric hydrocarbon and a perfluori- nated polyether) at a common junction leads to molecular frustration when dispersed in aqueous solution. The incompatible hydrophobic blocks form cores that are protected from the water by the poly(ethylene oxide) blocks, but both are forced to make contact with the poly(ethylene oxide) by virtue of the chain architecture. The structures that emerge depend on the relative lengths of the blocks and can be tuned from discrete multicompar- tment micelles to extended wormlike structures with segmented cores. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ COLVIN, V.L. Sustainability for nanotechnology SCIENTIST V.18 NO.16 [AUG 30 2004] PP.26-27 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ SULLIVAN, T.P.; VANPOLL, M.L.; DANKERS, P.Y.W.; HUCK, W.T.S. Forced peptide synthesis in nanoscale confinement under elastomeric stamps ANGEW CHEM INT ED V.43 NO.32 [2004] PP.4190-4193 WTS Huck/Univ Cambridge/Dept Chem/Melville Lab Polymer Synth/Lensfield Rd/Cambridge CB2 1EW/ENGLAND ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ HERNANDO, J.; DEWITTE, P.A.J.; VANDIJK, E.M.H.P.; KORTERIK, J.; NOLTE, R.J.M.; ROWAN, A.E.; GARCIAPARAJO, M.F.; VANHULST, N.F. Investigation of perylene photonic wires by combined single-molecule fluorescence and atomic force microscopy ANGEW CHEM INT ED V.43 NO.31 [2004] PP.4045-4049 J Hernando/Univ Twente/Fac Sci & Technol/Appl Opt Grp/POB 217/NL-7500 AE Enschede/NETHERLANDS ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ZIMENKOV, Y.; CONTICELLO, V.P.; GUO, L.; THIYAGARAJAN, P. Rational design of a nanoscale helical scaffold derived from self-assembly of a dimeric coiled coil motif TETRAHEDRON V.60 NO.34 [AUG 16 2004] PP.7237-7246 VP Conticello/Emory Univ/Dept Chem/1515 Dickey Dr/Atlanta/GA 30322 USA ___________________________________________________ We describe a model for the design of synthetic alpha-helical peptides that are competent for self-assembly into structurally defined supramole- cular fibrils on the basis of architectural features that have been prog- rammed into the peptide sequence. In order to test the validity of this experimental model, we have synthesized an oligopeptide YZ1 that was designed to conform to this model and to self-assemble into an alpha- helical fibril in which the structural sub-units that comprise the fibril corresponded to coiled coil dimers. Peptide YZ1 was prepared via conven- tional solid-phase peptide synthesis and was composed of 42 amino acid residues such that the sequence defined six distinct heptad repeats of a coiled coil structure. The sequence of YZ1 was designed to adopt an a- helical conformation in which the helical protomers self-associate in a parallel orientation with a staggered orientation between adjacent peptides that corresponded to an axial displacement of three heptads. The self-assembly of peptide YZI was examined at varying levels of structural hierarchy for compliance of the observed structures with the experimental model. Circular dichroism spectroscopy provided evidence for an alpha- helical coiled coil structure for YZ1 in aqueous solution, which could be reversibly denatured through thermal methods. TEM measurements indicated the formation of long aspect-ratio fibers of uniform diameter from aqueous solutions of YZ1, however the dimensions of the fibers suggested that lateral association occurred between the fibrils corresponding to the 2- -stranded helical bundles. The alpha-helical coiled coil structure was confirmed in the solid-state for fibers derived from self-assembly of YZ1 by a combination of wide-angle X-ray diffraction and C-13 CP/MAS NMR spec- troscopy. SANS and synchrotron SAXS measurements on dilute aqueous solu- tions of YZ1 provided a fibril diameter that corresponded to the lateral dimensions estimated for a dimeric coiled coil assembly on the basis of structural determinations of model peptides. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ABDALLA, M.A.; BAYER, J.; RADLER, J.O.; MULLEN, K. Synthesis and self-assembly of perylenediimide-oligonucleotide conjugates ANGEW CHEM INT ED V.43 NO.30 [2004] PP.3967-3970 JO Radler/Univ Munich/Ctr NanoSci/Sekt Phys/Geschwister Scholl Pl 1/D- 80539 Munich/GERMANY ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ LIEBER, S.C.; AUBRY, N.; PAIN, J.; DIAZ, G.; KIM, S.J.; VATNER, S.F. Aging increases stiffness of cardiac myocytes measured by atomic force microscopy nanoindentation AMER J PHYSIOL-HEART CIRC PHY V.287 NO.2 [AUG 2004] PP.H645-H651 SF Vatner/Univ Med & Dent New Jersey/New Jersey Med Sch/Dept Cell Biol & Mol Med/MSB G-609/POB 1709/Newark/NJ 07101 USA ___________________________________________________ It is well established that the aging heart exhibits left ventricular (LV) diastolic dysfunction and changes in mechanical properties, which are thought to be due to alterations in the extracellular matrix. We tested the hypothesis that the mechanical properties of cardiac myocytes signifi- cantly change with aging, Which could contribute to the global changes in LV diastolic dysfunction. We used atomic force microscopy (AFM), which determines cellular mechanical property changes at nanoscale resolution in myocytes, from young (4 mo) and old (30 mo) male Fischer 344 x Brown Norway F1 hybrid rats. A measure of stiffness, i.e., apparent elastic modulus, was determined by analyzing the relationship between AFM indenta- tion force and depth with the classical infinitesimal strain theory and by modeling the AFM probe as a blunted conical indenter. This is the first study to demonstrate a significant increase (P < 0.01) in the apparent elastic modulus of single, aging cardiac myocytes (from 35.1 &PLUSMN; 0.7, n = 53, to 42.5 &PLUSMN; 1.0 KPa, n = 58), supporting the novel concept that the mechanism mediating LV diastolic dysfunction in aging hearts resides, in part, at the level of the myocyte. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ VAYSSIERES, L.; GRAETZEL, M. Highly ordered SnO2 nanorod arrays from controlled aqueous growth ANGEW CHEM INT ED V.43 NO.28 [2004] PP.3666-3670 L Vayssieres/Swiss Fed Inst Technol/Inst Chem Sci & Engn/Photon & Inter- face Lab/CH-1015 Lausanne/SWITZERLAND ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ FLORENCE, A.T. Announcing a new section on pharmaceutical nanotechnology in IJP INT J PHARM V.279 NO.1-2 [JUL 26 2004] PP.1-2 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ CHEN, Y.; WANG, M.S.; MAO, C.D. An autonomous DNA nanomotor powered by a DNA enzyme ANGEW CHEM INT ED V.43 NO.27 [2004] PP.3554-3557 CD Mao/Purdue Univ/Dept Chem/W Lafayette/IN 47907 USA ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ PROFFITT, F. Nanotechnology - Yellow light for nanotech SCIENCE V.305 NO.5685 [AUG 6 2004] PP.762 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ JONES, D.D.; BARKER, P.D. Design and characterization of an artificial DNA-binding cytochrome CHEMBIOCHEM V.5 NO.7 [JUL 5 2004] PP.964-971 DD Jones/Univ Wales Coll Cardiff/Sch Biosci/Biomed Sci Bldg/Cardiff CF10 3US/S Glam/WALES ___________________________________________________ We aim to design novel proteins that link specific biochemical binding events, such as DNA recognition, with electron transfer functionality. We want these proteins to form the basis of new molecules that can be used for templated assembly of conducting cofactors or for thermodynamically linking DNA binding with cofactor chemistry for nanodevice applications. The first examples of our new proteins recruit the DNA-binding basic helix region of the leucine zipper protein GCN4. This basic helix region was attached to the N and C termini of cytochrome b(562) (cyt b(562)) to pro- duce new, monomeric, multifunctional polypeptides. We have fully characte- rised the DNA and haem-binding properties of these proteins, which is a prerequisite for future application of the new molecules. Attachment of a single basic helix of GCN4 to either the N or C terminus of the cytochrome does not result in specific DNA binding but the presence of DNA-binding domains at both termini converts the cytochrome into a specific DNA-bin- ding protein. Upon binding haem, this chimeric protein attains the spec- tral characteristics of wild-type cyt b(562), The three forms of the pro- tein, apo, oxidised holo and reduced holo, all bind the designed (ATGAc- gATGA) target DNA sequence with a dissociation constant, K-D, of approxima- tely 90 nm. The protein has a lower affinity (K-D ca. 370 nm) for the wild- -type GCN4 recognition sequence (ATGAcTCAT). The presence of only half the consensus DNA sequence (ATGAcgGGCC) shifts the K-D value to more than 2500 nm and the chimera does not bind specifically to DNA sequences with no target recognition sites. Ultracentrifugation revealed that the holopro- tein-DNA complex is formed with a 1:1 stoichiometry which indicates that a higher-order protein aggregate is not responsible for DNA binding. Mutage- nesis of a loop linking helices 2 and 3 of the cytochrome results in a chimera with a haem-dependent DNA binding affinity. This is the first demonstration that binding of a haem group to a designed monomeric protein can allosterically modulate the DNA binding affinity. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ MEDINTZ, I.L.; KONNERT, J.H.; CLAPP, A.R.; STANISH, I.; TWIGG, M.E.; MAT- TOUSSI, H.; MAURO, J.M.; DESCHAMPS, J.R. A fluorescence resonance energy transfer-derived structure of a quantum dot-protein bioconjugate nanoassembly PROC NAT ACAD SCI USA V.101 NO.26 [JUN 29 2004] PP.9612-9617 IL Medintz/USN/Res Lab/Ctr Biomol Sci & Engn/Code 6910/4555 Overlook Ave SW/Washington/DC 20375 USA ___________________________________________________ The first generation of luminescent semiconductor quantum dot (QD)-based hybrid inorganic biomaterials and sensors is now being developed. It is crucial to understand how bioreceptors, especially proteins, interact with these inorganic nanomaterials. As a model system for study, we use Rhoda- mine red-labeled engineered variants of Escherichia coli maltose-binding protein (MBP) coordinated to the surface of 555-nm emitting CdSe-ZnS core- -shell QDs. Fluorescence resonance energy transfer studies were performed to determine the distance from each of six unique MBP-Rhodamine red dye- -acceptor locations to the center of the energy-donating QD. In a strategy analogous to a nanoscale global positioning system determination, we use the intraassembly distances determined from the fluorescence resonance energy transfer measurements, the MBP crystallographic coordinates, and a least-squares approach to determine the orientation of the MBP relative to the QD surface. Results indicate that MBP has a preferred orientation on the QD surface. The refined model is in agreement with other evidence, which indicates coordination of the protein to the QD occurs by means of its C-terminal pentahistidine tail, and the size of the QD estimated from the model is in good agreement with physical measurements of QD size. The approach detailed here may be useful in determining the orientation of proteins in other hybrid protein-nanoparticle materials. To our knowledge, this is the first structural model of a hybrid luminescent QD-protein receptor assembly elucidated by using spectroscopic measurements in conjun- ction with crystallographic and other data. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ JAGER, S.; FAMULOK, M. Generation and enzymatic amplification of high-density functionalized DNA double strands ANGEW CHEM INT ED V.43 NO.25 [2004] PP.3337-3340 M Famulok/Univ Bonn/Kekule Inst Organ Chem & Biochem/Dipl Chem/Gerhard Domagk Str 1/D-53121 Bonn/GERMANY ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ YABROV, A.; OKUNEV, Y. Medicine without drugs - a new direction for application of nanotechnology MED HYPOTHESES V.63 NO.1 [2004] PP.149-154 A Yabrov/Rutgers State Univ/Bur Biol Res/70 Roper Rd/Princeton/NJ 08540 USA ___________________________________________________ A working model of direct computer-organism interaction is described. The model is based on the understanding of the ways/modes, by which informa- tion is transmitted in the living organism. Information is transmitted in an organism by different ways. Communication between (among) the streams of different modes of information is provided by particular natural mecha- nisms - transformers and interconnectors. The model suggests that the fun- ctions of the cells, organs and systems of an organism can be monitored, controlled and governed directly by means of nano-computers. The applica- tion of a computer enables one to provide early diagnostics and successful treatment using specifically designed computer programs instead of, or in conjunction with, medications or surgery. The computer-organism interac- tion is being achieved through an effective engagement and interaction of the streams of computer generated information with the streams of informa- tion naturally transmitted in the organism. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ PARK, P.S.H.; NG, C.C.; BUCK, S.; WELLS, J.W.; CHENG, Y.L.; PENNEFATHER, P.S. Characterization of radioligand binding to a transmembrane receptor recon- stituted into Lipobeads FEBS LETT V.567 NO.2-3 [JUN 4 2004] PP.344-348 PS Pennefather/Univ Toronto/Leslie Dan Fac Pharm/Dept Pharmaceut Sci/- Toronto/ON M5S 2S2/CANADA ___________________________________________________ Lipobeads are hydrogel beads surrounded by a lipid bilayer membrane and have been developed to act as a cell analogue. The FLAG-tagged M-2 musca- rinic receptor was incorporated onto the surface of the Lipobead by incuba- ting pre-Lipobeads with proteoliposomes containing the receptor. Receptors reconstituted onto the surface of the Lipobeads were functional in that they bound the antagonists quinuclidinylbenzilate and scopolamine with characteristic muscarinic affinities. This demonstrates the feasibility of using Lipobeads to study the binding properties of the M-2 muscarinic receptor and offers a promising approach to the study of transmembrane protein biology in general. (C) 2004 Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of the Federation of European Biochemical Societies. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ JOSELEVICH, E. Chemistry and electronics of carbon nanotubes go together ANGEW CHEM INT ED V.43 NO.23 [2004] PP.2992-2994 E Joselevich/Weizmann Inst Sci/Dept Mat & Interfaces/IL-76100 Rehovot/- ISRAEL ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ DZENIS, Y. Spinning continuous fibers for nanotechnology SCIENCE V.304 NO.5679 [JUN 25 2004] PP.1917-1919 Y Dzenis/Univ Nebraska/Dept Mech Engn/Lincoln/NE 68588 USA ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ONEAL, D.P.; HIRSCH, L.R.; HALAS, N.J.; PAYNE, J.D.; WEST, J.L. Photo-thermal tumor ablation in mice using near infrared-absorbing nanopar- ticles CANCER LETT V.209 NO.2 [JUN 25 2004] PP.171-176 JL West/Rice Univ/Dept Bioengn/POB 1892/MS-142/Houston/TX 77251 USA ___________________________________________________ The following study examines the feasibility of nanoshell-assisted photo- -thermal therapy (NAPT). This technique takes advantage of the strong near infrared (NIR) absorption of nanoshells, a new class of gold nanoparticles with tunable optical absorptivities that can undergo passive extravasation from the abnormal tumor vasculature due to their nanoscale size. Tumors were grown in immune-competent mice by subcutaneous injection of murine colon carcinoma cells (CT26.WT). Polyethylene glycol (PEG) coated nano- shells (approximate to130 nm diameter) with peak optical absorption in the NIR were intravenously injected and allowed to circulate for 6 h. Tumors were then illuminated with a diode laser (808 nm, 4 W/cm(2), 3 min). All such treated tumors abated and treated mice appeared healthy and tumor free >90 days later. Control animals and additional sham-treatment animals (laser treatment without nanoshell injection) were euthanized when tumors grew to a predetermined size, which occurred 6-19 days post-treatment. This simple, non-invasive procedure shows great promise as a technique for selective photo-thermal tumor ablation. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All fights reserved. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ALBERTI, P.; MERGNY, J.L. DNA structural changes as the basis for a nanomolecular device CELL MOL BIOL V.50 NO.3 [MAY 2004] PP.241-253 JL Mergny/CNRS/UMR 5153/Museum Natl Hist Nat/USM 0503/Lab Biophys/43 Rue Cuvier/F-75005 Paris/FRANCE ___________________________________________________ There is currently great interest in the design of nanodevices that are capable of performing movements. Protein molecular machines are abundant in biology but it has recently been proposed that nucleic acids could also act as nanomolecular machines in model systems. Several types of movements have been described with DNA machines: rotation, extension-contraction and ''scissor-like'' opening and closing. Here we analyze the properties of a simple and robust device composed of a single 21-base-long oligonucleotide which relies on a duplex / quadruplex equilibrium fueled by the sequential addition of DNA single-strands, generating a DNA duplex as a by-product. The interconversion between two well-defined topological states induces a five nanometer two-stroke, linear motor type movement, which is detected by FRET spectroscopy. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ COHEN, M.E.; HUDSON, D.L. Non-linear analysis using continuous chaotic modeling CELL MOL BIOL V.50 NO.3 [MAY 2004] PP.291-295 ME Cohen/Calif State Univ Fresno/Fresno/CA 93740 USA ___________________________________________________ Recent research in nanotechnology is opening exciting new avenues not only for understanding the human body but also for creating devices that can effectively interact with it to alleviate the effects of disease. These new developments present both challenges and opportunities for adaptation of existing methodologies to create new approaches for analysis and mode- ling of nanotechnology-based systems. The concept of continuous chaotic modeling presents an avenue for a paradigm shift away from traditional digital computing to take advantage of analog models that are more compa- tible with biological systems. The theoretical basis of continuous chaotic modeling is summarized, followed by illustrations of applications of this methodology. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ HUDSON, D.L.; COHEN, M.E. The role of networks and artificial intelligence in nanotechnology design and analysis CELL MOL BIOL V.50 NO.3 [MAY 2004] PP.297-300 DL Hudson/Univ Calif San Francisco/San Francisco/CA 93703 USA ___________________________________________________ Techniques with their origins in artificial intelligence have had a great impact on many areas of biomedicine. Expert-based systems have been used to develop computer-assisted decision aids. Neural networks have been used extensively in disease classification and more recently in many bioinforma- tics applications including genomics and drug design. Network theory in general has proved useful in modeling all aspects of biomedicine from heal- thcare organizational structure to biochemical pathways. These methods show promise in applications involving nanotechnology both in the design phase and in interpretation of system functioning. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ MA, Y.F.; ZHANG, J.M.; ZHANG, G.J.; HE, H.X. Polyaniline nanowires on Si surfaces fabricated with DNA templates J AM CHEM SOC V.126 NO.22 [JUN 9 2004] PP.7097-7101 HX He/Rutgers State Univ/Dept Chem/73 Warren St/Newark/NJ 07102 USA ___________________________________________________ It is essential to put individual, free-standing nanowires onto insulating substrates and integrate them to useful devices. Here we report a strategy for fabrication of conducting polymer nanowires on thermally oxidized Si surfaces by use of DNA as templates. The direct use of stretched and immo- bilized DNA strands as templates avoids the agglomeration of DNA caused by shielding of charges on DNA when polyaniline/DNA complexes formed in solu- tion. Most importantly, the oriented DNA strands immobilized on the Si surface predetermine the position and the orientation of the nanowires. The approach described here is the first step toward uniting the program- mable-assembly ability of DNA with the unique electronic properties of conducting polymers for high-density functional nanodevices. The conducti- vity of the nanowires is very sensitive to the proton doping-undoping pro- cess, suggesting that the nanowires hold great promise for sensitive che- mical sensor applications. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ GATES, B.D.; XU, Q.B.; THALLADI, V.R.; CAO, T.B.; KNICKERBOCKER, T.; WHITE- SIDES, G.M. Shear Patterning of microdominos: A new class of procedures for making micro- and nanostructures ANGEW CHEM INT ED V.43 NO.21 [2004] PP.2780-2783 GM Whitesides/Harvard Univ/Dept Chem & Chem Biol/Cambridge/MA 02138 USA ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ MOORE, A. Waiter, there's a nanobot in my martini! As nanotechnology gives birth to nanobiotechnology, definitions and perceptions are at risk of becoming mixed into an exotic cocktail EMBO REP V.5 NO.5 [MAY 2004] PP.448-450 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ PENG, L.M.; CHEN, Q.; LIANG, X.L.; GAO, S.; WANG, J.Y.; KLEINDIEK, S.; TAI, S.W. Performing probe experiments in the SEM MICRON V.35 NO.6 [2004] PP.495-502 LM Peng/Peking Univ/Dept Elect/Beijing 100871/PEOPLES R CHINA ___________________________________________________ A four nanoprobe system has been installed inside a FEI XL30 F scanning electron microscope (SEM), and shown to be fully compatible with the normal functions of the SEM and also a Gatan cold stage (model C1003, -185- -400degreesC). With some selected examples of applications, we have shown that this nanoprobe system may be used effectively for gripping, moving and manipulating nanoobjects, e.g. carbon nanotubes, setting up electric contacts for electronic measurements, tailoring the structure of the nanoobject by cutting, etc. and even for making unexpected nanostructures, e.g. a nanohook. Applications in other areas have also been speculated, limitations or disadvantages of the current design of the probe system were discussed, and methods for possible improvement were suggested. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ SERVICE, R.F. Nanotoxicology: Nanotechnology grows up SCIENCE V.304 NO.5678 [JUN 18 2004] PP.1732-1734 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ MOSSELVELD, F.; MAKAROV, V.V.; LUNDQUIST, T.R.; GRIFFIS, D.P.; RUSSELL, P.E. Circuit editing of copper and low-k dielectrics in nanotechnology devices J MICROSC-OXFORD V.214 NO. Part 3 [JUN 2004] PP.246-251 F Mosselveld/NPTest/150 Baytech Dr/San Jose/CA 95134 USA ___________________________________________________ Circuit editing of integrated circuit (IC) devices fabricated in 100-nm and smaller technologies has moved IC microsurgery into nanosurgery. Although the dimensions are challenging, an additional challenge is to mill the dielectric materials that are employed controllably. There are interesting biological similarities as carbon content and porosity increase in order to minimize the dielectric constant. These porous organic materials are extremely delicate and are readily carbonized under the ion beam. Besides minimizing carbonization, the etching of these mate- rials must be minimized during the removal of a metallized area. A further challenge has been caused by the continuing tightening of fabrication spe- cifications; the dielectric materials are dispersed (although not randomly) within the metallizations in order to reduce variations during a planariza- tion process. In addition, to improve planarization tolerances, dummy metallizations are placed in regions where the need is only mechanical and not electrical. Neither of these 'extra' structures is readily available to assist in edit planning. To address these dielectrics and the struc- tures in which they are found, several techniques - including chemistries - have been developed. Methods to increase the etching of metallization relative to the dielectric are reviewed, including chemistries that improve the selectivity of copper to dielectric. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ SEEMAN, N.C. Nanotechnology and the Double Helix SCI AMER V.290 NO.6 [JUN 2004] PP.64+ NC Seeman/NYU/Dept Chem/New York/NY 10003 USA ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ WEBSTER, T.J.; EJIOFOR, J.U. Increased osteoblast adhesion on nanophase metals: Ti, Ti6Al4V, and CoCrMo BIOMATERIALS V.25 NO.19 [AUG 2004] PP.4731-4739 TJ Webster/Purdue Univ/Dept Biomed Engn/1296 Patter Bldg/W Lafayette/IN 47905 USA ___________________________________________________ Previous studies have demonstrated increased functions of osteoblasts (bone-forming cells) on nanophase compared to conventional ceramics (speci- fically, alumina, titania, and hydroxyapatite), polymers (such as poly lactic-glycolic acid and polyurethane), carbon nanofibers/nanotubes, and composites thereof. Nanophase materials are unique materials that simulate dimensions of constituent components of bone since they possess particle or grain sizes less than 100nm. However, to date, interactions of osteob- lasts on nanophase compared to conventional metals remain to be elucidated. For this reason, the objective of the present in vitro study was to synthe- size, characterize, and evaluate osteoblast adhesion on nanophase metals (specifically, Ti, Ti6Al4V, and CoCrMo alloys). Such metals in conven- tional form are widely used in orthopedic applications. Results of this study provided the first evidence of increased osteoblast adhesion on nano- phase compared to conventional metals. Interestingly, osteoblast adhesion occurred preferentially at surface particle boundaries for both nanophase and conventional metals. Since more particle boundaries are present on the surface of nanophase compared to conventional metals, this may be an expla- nation for the measured increased osteoblast adhesion. Lastly, material characterization studies revealed that nanometal surfaces possessed similar chemistry and only altered in degree of nanometer surface roughness when compared to their respective conventional counterparts. Because osteoblast adhesion is a necessary prerequisite for subsequent functions (such as deposition of calcium-containing mineral), the present study suggests that nanophase metals should be further considered for orthopedic implant applications. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reser- ved. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ PATOLSKY, F.; WEIZMANN, Y.; WILLNER, I. Long-range electrical contacting of redox enzymes by SWCNT connectors ANGEW CHEM INT ED V.43 NO.16 [APR 4 2004] PP.2113-2117 I Willner/Hebrew Univ Jerusalem/Inst Chem/IL-91904 Jerusalem/ISRAEL ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ DATE, M.; OKUMURA, M.; TSUBOTA, S.; HARUTA, M. Vital role of moisture in the catalytic activity of supported gold nanopar- ticles ANGEW CHEM INT ED V.43 NO.16 [APR 4 2004] PP.2129-2132 M Date/Natl Inst Adv Ind Sci & Technol/Res Inst Green Technol/AIST/16-1 Onogawa/Tsukuba/Ibaraki 3058569/JAPAN ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ WESTON, A.D.; HOOD, L. Systems biology, proteomics, and the future of health care: Toward predic- tive, preventative, and personalized medicine [REVIEW] J PROTEOME RES V.3 NO.2 [MAR-APR 2004] PP.179-196 L Hood/Inst Syst Biol/1441 N 34th St/Seattle/WA 98103 USA ___________________________________________________ The emergence of systems biology is bringing forth a new set of challenges for advancing science and technology. Defining ways of studying biological systems on a global level, integrating large and disparate data types, and dealing with the infrastructural changes necessary to carry out systems biology, are just a few of the extraordinary tasks of this growing dis- cipline. Despite these challenges, the impact of systems biology will be far-reaching, and significant progress has already been made. Moving for- ward, the issue of how to use systems biology to improve the health of individuals must be a priority. It is becoming increasingly apparent that the field of systems biology and one of its important disciplines, pro- teomics, will have a major role in creating a predictive, preventative, and personalized approach to medicine. In this review, we define systems biology, discuss the current capabilities of proteomics and highlight some of the necessary milestones for moving systems biology and proteomics into mainstream health care. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ PECHKOVA, E.; NICOLINI, C. Atomic structure of a CK alpha human kinase by microfocus diffraction of extra-small microcrystals grown with nanobiofilm template J CELL BIOCHEM V.91 NO.5 [APR 1 2004] PP.1010-1020 C Nicolini/Univ Genoa/Nanoworld Inst/I-16132 Genoa/ITALY ___________________________________________________ Extra-small microcrystals of a human kinase CK2alpha were obtained for the first time by the optimization of a recent protein crystallization method based on highly packed protein nanofilm template. Protein crystal induc- tion and growth appear indeed optimal at high surface pressure of the film template yielding high protein orientation and packing. The resulting extra-small CK2a microcrystals (of about 20 pm in diameter) was subse- quently used for synchrotron radiation diffraction data collection, which proves possible by means of the Microfocus Beamline at the ESRF Syn- chrotron in Grenoble. The quality of the resulting crystal diffraction patterns and of its resulting atomic structure at 2.4Angstrom resolution proves the unique validity of the above two combined frontier technologies in defining a new approach to structural proteomics capable to solve the atomic structure of proteins so far never been crystallized and of pharma- ceutical relevance. Physical explanation in terms of template dipole moments and possibility of generalization of this method to the wide class of proteins not yet crystallized are finally discussed. The structure of our CK2alpha mutant is in the Protein Data Bank (PDBID Code 1NA7, depo- sited on 27 November 2002). (C) 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ JANA, N.R. Shape effect in nanoparticle self-assembly ANGEW CHEM INT ED V.43 NO.12 [2004] PP.1536-1540 NR Jana/Raja Rammohun Roy Mahavidyalaya/Dept Chem/Hooghly 712406/W Bengal/- INDIA ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ STEINHART, M.; WEHRSPOHN, R.B.; GOSELE, U.; WENDORFF, J.H. Nanotubes by template wetting: A modular assembly system [REVIEW] ANGEW CHEM INT ED V.43 NO.11 [2004] PP.1334-1344 JH Wendorff/Univ Marburg/Fachbereich Chem/Hans Meerwein Str/D-35032 Mar- burg/GERMANY ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ROJO, J.; DIAZ, V.; DELAFUENTE, J.M.; SEGURA, I.; BARRIENTOS, A.G.; RIESE, H.H.; BERNADE, A.; PENADES, S. Gold glyconanoparticles as new tools in antiadhesive therapy CHEMBIOCHEM V.5 NO.3 [MAR 5 2004] PP.291-297 S Penades/CSIC/Inst Invest Quim/Lab Gliconanotecnol/Grp Carbohidratos/Ame- rico Vespucio S-N/Seville 41092/SPAIN ___________________________________________________ Gold glyconanoparticles (GNPs) have been prepared as new multivalent tools that mimic glycosphingolipids on the cell surface. GNPs are highly soluble under physiologicol conditions, stable against enzymatic degradation and nontoxic. Thereby GNPs open up a novel promising multivalent platform for biological applications. It has recently been demonstrated that specific tumor-associated carbohydrate antigens (glycosphingolipids and glycopro- teins) are involved in the initial step of tumor spreading, A mouse mela- noma model was selected to test glyconanoparticles as possible inhibitors of experimental lung metastasis. A carbohydrate-carbohydrate interaction is proposed as the first recognition step for this process. Glyconanopar- ticles presenting lactose (lacto-GNPs) hove been used successfully to sig- nificantly reduce the progression of experimental metastasis. This result shows for the first time a clear biological effect of lacto-GNPs, demon- strating the potential application of this glyconanotechnology in biolo- gical processes. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ROSS, S.A.; SRINIVAS, P.R.; CLIFFORD, A.J.; LEE, S.C.; PHILBERT, M.A.; HETTICH, R.L. New technologies for nutrition research J NUTR V.134 NO.3 [MAR 2004] PP.681-685 SA Ross/NCI/Nutrit Sci Res Grp/Div Canc Prevent/NIH/Dept Hlth & Human Serv/- Bethesda/MD 20892 USA ___________________________________________________ The Experimental Biology 2003 symposium entitled ''New Technologies for Nutrition Research'' was organized to highlight new and emerging technolo- gies, including nanotechnology and proteomics, and to suggest ways for their integration into nutrition research. Speakers focused on topics that included accelerator mass spectrometry for ultra-low level radiolabel tra- cing, nanodevices for real-time optical intracellular sensing, mass spec- trometric techniques for examining protein expression, as well as poten- tial applications for nanotechnology in the food sciences. These technolo- gies may be particularly useful in obtaining accurate spatial information and low-level detection of essential and nonessential bioactive food compo- nents (nutrients) and their metabolites, and in enhancing the understan- ding of the impact of nutrient/metabolite and biomolecular interactions. Highlights from this symposium are presented briefly herein. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ HSIAO, J.C.; FONG, K. Making big money from small technology NATURE V.428 NO.6979 [MAR 11 2004] PP.218-220 JC Hsiao/Inframat/74 Batterson Pk Rd/Farmington/CT 06032 USA WENGEL, J. Nucleic acid nanotechnology - towards Angstrom-scale engineering ORG BIOMOL CHEM V.2 NO.3 [FEB 7 2004] PP.277-280 J Wengel/Univ So Denmark/Dept Chem/Nucl Acid Ctr/DK-5230 Odense M/DENMARK ___________________________________________________ Nucleic acids and analogues are suitable building blocks for reliable self- -assembly of nanometer-sized two- or three-dimensional materials. In order to mimic or approach nature with respect to size and function, Angstrom- -scale chemical engineering is emerging as pivotal for future developments. Efforts within nucleic acid nanotechnology will be focussed on generating rigid and stable low nanometer-sized structures carrying functionalities with predictable spatial positioning allowing, by encoded self-assembly, functional nucleic acid architectures to be built towards applications within the biological and material sciences. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ SHEN, Z.Y.; YAN, H.; WANG, T.; SEEMAN, N.C. Paranemic crossover DNA: A generalized Holliday structure with applica- tions in nanotechnology J AM CHEM SOC V.126 NO.6 [FEB 18 2004] PP.1666-1674 NC Seeman/NYU/Dept Chem/New York/NY 10003 USA ___________________________________________________ Paranemic crossover (PX) DNA is a four-stranded coaxial DNA complex con- taining a central dyad axis that relates two flanking parallel double helices. The strands are held together exclusively by Watson-Crick base pairing. The key feature of the structure is that the two adjacent parallel DNA double helices form crossovers at every point possible. Hence, reciprocal crossover points flank the central dyad axis at every major or minor groove separation. This motif has been modeled and characterized in an oligonucleotide system; a minor groove separation of five nucleotide pairs and major groove separations of six, seven, or eight nucleotide pairs produce stable PX DNA molecules; a major groove separation of 9 nucleotide pairs is possible at low concentrations. Every strand undergoes a crossover every helical repeat (11, 12, 13, or 14 nucleotides), but the structural period of each strand corresponds to two helical repeats (22, 24, 26, or 28 nucleotides). Nondenaturing gel electrophoresis shows that the molecules are stable, forming well-behaved complexes. PX DNA can be produced from closed dumbbells, demonstrating that the molecule is para- nemic. Ferguson analysis indicates that the molecules are similar in shape to DNA double crossover molecules. Circular dichroism spectra are consis- tent with B-form DNA. Thermal transition profiles suggest a premelting transition in each of the molecules. Hydroxyl radical autofootprinting analysis confirms that there is a crossover point at each of the positions expected in the secondary structure. These molecules are generalized Hol- liday junctions. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ LEONI, L.; DESAI, T.A. Micromachined biocapsules for cell-based sensing and delivery [REVIEW] ADVAN DRUG DELIVERY REV V.56 NO.2 [FEB 10 2004] PP.211-229 TA Desai/Boston Univ/Dept Biomed Engn/44 Cummington St/Boston/MA 02215 USA ___________________________________________________ In recent years, rapid advancements have been made in the biomedical appli- cations of micro- and nanotechnology. While the focus of such technology has primarily been on in vitro analytical and diagnostic tools, more recently, in vivo therapeutic and sensing applications have gained atten- tion. The long-term integration of cells with inorganic materials provides the basis for novel delivery and sensing platforms. Our recent work has focused on the ability to maintain cells long term in nanoporous silicon- -based microenvironments. This paper describes the creation of monodis- perse, nanoporous, biocompatible, silicon membranes as a platform for the delivery of cells. Studies described herein focus on the interaction of silicon-based substrates with cells of interest in terms of viability, proliferation, and functionality. Such microfabricated nanoporous mem- branes can be used both in vitro for cell-based assays and in vivo for immunoisolation and drug delivery applications. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ SAKAI, H.; HISAMOTO, S.; FUKUTOMI, I.; SOU, K.; TAKEOKA, S.; TSUCHIDA, E. Detection of lipopolysaccharide in hemoglobin-vesicles by Limulus amebo- cyte lysate test with kinetic-turbidimetric gel clotting analysis and pret- reatment of surfactant J PHARM SCI V.93 NO.2 [FEB 2004] PP.310-321 E Tsuchida/Waseda Univ/Adv Res Inst Sci & Engn/Tokyo 1698555/JAPAN ___________________________________________________ A method to quantitatively measure the bacterial endotoxin content (lipopo- lysaccharide, LPS) in phospholipid vesicles or liposomes is necessary because the conventional Limulus amebocyte lysate (LA-L) test does not provide an accurate measurement due to the hydrophobic interaction of LPS and vesicles that shields the activity of LPS to clot the LA-L coagulant. This interference was evident from isothermal titration calorimetry results in our study that clearly demonstrated the insertion of the LPS molecule into the phospholipid bilayer membrane. Hemoglobin-vesicles (HbVs; particle diameter = 251+/-80 nm; [Hb] = 10 g/dL) are artificial oxygen carriers encapsulating a conc. Hb solution in phospholipid vesicles, and their oxygen transporting ability has been extensively studied. To accura- tely measure the LPS content in the HbV suspension, we tested the solubi- lization of HbV with deca(oxyethylene) dodecyl ether (C12E10), used to release the LPS entrapped in the vesicles, as a pretreatment for the suc- ceeding LAL assay of the kinetic-turbidimetric gel clotting (detecting wavelength, 660 nm). The C12E10 surfactant interferes with the gel clot- ting in a concentration-dependent manner, and the optimal condition was determined in terms of minimizing the dilution factor and C12E10 concentra- tion. We clarified the condition that allowed the measurement of LPS at > 0.1 endotoxin units (EU)/mL in the HbV suspension. Moreover, the utiliza- tion of histidine-immobilized agarose gel effectively concentrated the trace amount of LPS from the C12E10-solubilized HbV solution and washed out C12E10 as an inhibitory element. The LA-L assay with the LPS-adsorbed gel resulted in the detection limit of 0.0025 EU/mL. Pretreatment with C12E10 would be applicable not only to HbVs but also to other drug deli- very systems using phospholipid vesicles encapsulating or incorporating functional molecules. (C) 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ GOTHELF, K.V.; THOMSEN, A.; NIELSEN, M.; CLO, E.; BROWN, R.S. Modular DNA-programmed assembly of linear and branched conjugated nanos- tructures J AM CHEM SOC V.126 NO.4 [FEB 4 2004] PP.1044-1046 KV Gothelf/Ctr Catalysis & Interdisciplinary Nanosci Ctr/Dept Chem/Lange- landsgade 140/DK-8000 Aarhus C/DENMARK ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ THRALL, J.H. Nanotechnology and medicine RADIOLOGY V.230 NO.2 [FEB 2004] PP.315-318 JH Thrall/Harvard Univ/Sch Med/Massachusetts Gen Hosp/Dept Radiol/14 Fruit St/MZ-FND 216/Boston/MA 02114 USA ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ LIU, D.; PARK, S.H.; REIF, J.H.; LABEAN, T.H. DNA nanotubes self-assembled from triple-crossover tiles as templates for conductive nanowires PROC NAT ACAD SCI USA V.101 NO.3 [JAN 20 2004] PP.717-722 D Liu/Duke Univ/Dept Comp Sci/Box 90129/Durham/NC 27708 USA ___________________________________________________ DNA-based nanotechnology is currently being developed as a general assembly method for nanopatterned materials that may find use in electro- nics, sensors, medicine, and many other fields. Here we present results on the construction and characterization of DNA nanotubes, a self-assembling superstructure composed of DNA tiles. Triple-crossover tiles modified with thiol-containing double-stranded DNA stems projected out of the tile plane were used as the basic building blocks. Triple-crossover nanotubes display a constant diameter of approximate to25 nm and have been observed with lengths up to 20 mum. We present high-resolution images of the constructs, experimental evidence of their tube-like nature as well as data on metal- lization of the nanotubes to form nanowires, and electrical conductivity measurements through the nanowires. DNA nanotubes represent a potential breakthrough in the self-assembly of nanometer-scale circuits for electro- nics layout because they can be targeted to connect at specific locations on larger-scale structures and can subsequently be metallized to form nano- meter-scale wires. The dimensions of these nanotubes are also perfectly suited for applications involving interconnection of molecular-scale devices with macroscale components fabricated by conventional photolithog- raphic methods. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ AJAYAN, P.M. Nanotechnology - How does a nanofibre grow? NATURE V.427 NO.6973 [JAN 29 2004] PP.402-403 PM Ajayan/Rensselaer Polytech Inst/Dept Mat Sci & Engn/Troy/NY 12180 USA ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ORIVE, G.; HERNANDEZ, R.M.; GASCON, A.R.; DOMINGUEZGIL, A.; PEDRAZ, J.L. Drug delivery in biotechnology: present and future [REVIEW] CURR OPIN BIOTECHNOL V.14 NO.6 [DEC 2003] PP.659-664 G Orive/Univ Basque Country/Fac Pharm/Lab Pharm & Pharmaceut Technol/- Vitoria/SPAIN ___________________________________________________ Drug delivery is becoming a whole interdisciplinary and independent field of research and is gaining the attention of pharmaceutical makers, medical doctors and industry. A targeted and safe drug delivery could improve the performance of some classical medicines already on the market and, moreover, will have implications for the development and success of new therapeutic strategies, such as peptide and protein delivery, glycoprotein administration, gene therapy and RNA interference. Many innovative techno- logies for effective drug delivery have been developed, including implants, nanotechnology, cell and peptide encapsulation, microfabrication, chemical modification and others. On the long way from the clinic to market, however, several issues will have to be addressed, including suitable scientific development, specific financial support as a result of altered scientific policy, government regulations and market forces. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ HUESO, L.; MATHUR, N. Nanotechnology - Dreams of a hollow future NATURE V.427 NO.6972 [JAN 22 2004] PP.301+ L Hueso/Univ Cambridge/Dept Mat Sci & Met/New Museums Site/Pembroke St/Cam- bridge CB2 3QZ/ENGLAND ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ FLORENCE, A.T. The dangers of generalization in nanotechnology DRUG DISCOV TODAY V.9 NO.2 [JAN 15 2004] PP.60-61 AT Florence/IMI Consulting GmbH/Auf Amtshof 3/D-30938 Burgwedel/GERMANY ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ DREHER, K.L. Health and environmental impact of nanotechnology: Toxicological asses- sment of manufactured nanoparticles TOXICOL SCI V.77 NO.1 [JAN 2004] PP.3-5 KL Dreher/US EPA/Pulm Toxicol Branch/Expt Toxicol Div/Natl Hlth & Environm Effects Res Lab/MC B143-01/109 TW Alexander Dr/Res Triangle Pk/NC 27711 USA ___________________________________________________ The articles highlighted in this issue are ''Pulmonary Toxicity of Single- -Wall Carbon Nanotubes in Mice 7 and 90 Days after Intratracheal Instilla- tion'' by Chiu-Wing Lam, John T. James, Richard McCluskey, and Robert L. Hunter (pp. 126-134) and ''Comparative Pulmonary Toxicity Assessment of Single-Wall Carbon Nanotubes in Rats'' by D. B. Warheit, B. R. Laurence, K. L. Reed, D. H. Roach, G. A. M. Reynolds, and T. R. Webb (pp. 117-125). ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ SEEMAN, N.C. At the crossroads of chemistry, biology, and materials: Structural DNA nanotechnology [REVIEW] CHEM BIOL V.10 NO.12 [DEC 2003] PP.1151-1159 NC Seeman/NYU/Dept Chem/4 Washington Pl/New York/NY 10003 USA ___________________________________________________ Structural DNA nanotechnology consists of combining unusual DNA motifs by specific structurally well-defined cohesive interactions (primarily sticky ends) to produce target materials with predictable 3D structures. This effort has generated DNA polyhedral catenanes, robust nanomechanical devices, and a variety of periodic arrays in two dimensions. The system has been used to produce specific patterns on the mesoscale through desig- ning and combining specific DNA strands, which are then examined by atomic force microscopy. The combination of these constructions with other che- mical components is expected to contribute to the development of nanoelec- tronics, nanorobotics, and smart materials. The organizational capabili- ties of structural DNA nanotechnology are just beginning to be explored, and the field is expected ultimately to be able to organize a variety of species that will lead to exciting and possibly revolutionary materials. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ SHU, D.; HUANG, L.; GUO, P.X. A simple mathematical formula for stoichiometry quantification of viral and nanobiological assemblage using slopes of log/log plot curves J VIROL METH V.115 NO.1 [JAN 2004] PP.19-30 PX Guo/Purdue Univ/Dept Pathol/B-36 Hansen Life Sci Res Bldg/W Lafayette/- IN 47907 USA ___________________________________________________ In nanotechnology, biomolecular assemblies serve not only as model systems for the construction of nanodevices, but they can also be used directly as templates for the formation of nanostructures. Biological nano-building blocks can either be isolated as complete functional units from living cells or viruses (biological ''Top down'' approach) or formed by biomole- cular assembly from recombinant or synthetic components (''Bottom up'' approach). In both cases, rational design of nanostructures requires knowledge of the stoichiometry of the biological structures, which fre- quently occur as multimers, i.e., the morphological complex is composed of multiple copies of one or more macromolecules. In this paper, a method is described for the stoichiometric quantification of molecules in bio-nanos- tructures. The method is based on using dilution factors and relative con- centrations rather than absolute quantities, which are often difficult to determine, especially in short-lived assembly intermediates. The approach exploits the fact that the larger the stoichiometry of the component is, the more dramatic is the influence of the dilution factor (decrease in concentration) on the reaction. We established and used the method to determine the stoichiometry of components of bacterial virus phi29. The log of dilution factors was plotted against the log of reaction yield. The stoichiometry Z was determined with the equation Z = -1.58 + 2.4193T - 0.001746T(2) [T is an element of (0,1000), or anglealpha is an element of (0degrees, 89.9degrees)], where T is the slope of the curve (tangent of anglealpha, which is the angle between the x-axis and the concentration dependent curve). Z can also be determined from a standard table given in this report. With the bacteriophage phi29 in vitro assembly system, up to 5 x 10(8) infectious virions per ml can be assembled from 11 purified com- ponents, giving our method a sensitivity of nine orders of magnitude. We confirmed the stoichiometries of phi29 components that were determined previously with microscopic approaches. The described method also res- ponded to programmed stoichiometry changes, which were generated by assem- bling the phi29 DNA packaging motor from modified pRNA (DNA-packaging RNA) molecules forming a trimer of dimers or a dimer of trimers, instead of the wild-type hexamer. (C) 2003 Published by Elsevier B.V. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ HUTCHINSON, E. Nanotechnology - Mapping progress NAT REV CANCER V.4 NO.1 [JAN 2004] PP.8 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ GUILBAULT, G.G. Special issue on emerging analytic techniques in nanotechnology ANAL LETT V.36 NO.15 [2003] PP.IX ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ LUONG, J.H. Special issue on emerging analytic techniques in nanotechnology - Preface ANAL LETT V.36 NO.15 [2003] PP.XI-XIII ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ MANNEVILLE, J.B.; ETIENNEMANNEVILLE, S.; SKEHEL, P.; CARTER, T.; OGDEN, D.; FERENCZI, M. Interaction of the actin cytoskeleton with microtubules regulates secre- tory organelle movement near the plasma membrane in human endothelial cells J CELL SCI V.116 NO.19 [OCT 1 2003] PP.3927-3938 JB Manneville/Natl Inst Med Res/Mill Hill/London NW7 1AA/ENGLAND ___________________________________________________ The role of cytoskeletal elements in regulating transport and docking steps that precede exocytosis of secretory organelles is not well under- stood. We have used Total Internal Reflection Fluorescence (TIRF) micros- copy to visualize the three-dimensional motions of secretory organelles near the plasma membrane in living endothelial cells. Weibel-Palade bodies (WPb), the large tubular storage organelles for von Willebrand factor, were labelled with Rab27a-GFP. By contrast, green fluorescent protein (GFP)- -tagged tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA-GFP) labelled submicron vesicular organelles. Both populations of GFP-labelled organelles under- went stimulated exocytosis. The movement of these morphologically distinct organelles was measured within the evanescent field that penetrated the first 200 nm above the plasma membrane. WPb and tPA-GFP vesicles displayed long-range bidirectional motions and short-range diffusive-like motions. Rotating and oscillating WPb were also observed. TIRF microscopy enabled us to quantify the contribution of actin and microtubules and their asso- ciated motors to the organelle motions close to the plasma membrane. Long- -range motions, as well as WPb rotations and oscillations, were microtu- bule- and kinesin-dependent. Disruption of the actin cytoskeleton and inhi- bition of myosin motors increased the number of long-range motions and, in the case of WPb, their velocity. The actin and microtubules had opposite effects on the mobility of organelles undergoing short-range motions. Actin reduced the mobility and range of motion of both WPb and tPA vesicles, whereas microtubules and kinesin motors increased the mobility of WPb. The results show that the dynamics of endothelial secretory orga- nelles close to the plasma membrane are controlled by the opposing roles of the microtubule and actin cytoskeletal. transport systems. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ MCKENZIE, J.L.; WAID, M.C.; SHI, R.Y.; WEBSTER, T.J. Decreased functions of astrocytes on carbon nanofiber materials BIOMATERIALS V.25 NO.7-8 [MAR-APR 2004] PP.1309-1317 TJ Webster/Purdue Univ/Dept Biomed Engn/W Lafayette/IN 47907 USA ___________________________________________________ Carbon nanofibers possess excellent conductivity properties, which may be beneficial in the design of more effective neural prostheses; however, limited evidence on their cytocompatibility properties currently exists. The objective of the present in vitro study was to determine cytocompatibi- lity properties of formulations containing carbon nanofibers pertinent to neural implant applications. Substrates were prepared from four different types of carbon fibers, two with nanoscale diameters (nanophase, or less than or equal to 100 nm) and two with conventional diameters (or greater than 100 nm). Within these two categories, both a high and a low surface energy fiber were investigated and tested. Carbon fibers were compacted in a manual hydraulic press via a uniaxial loading cycle. Astrocytes (glial scar tissue-forming cells) were seeded onto the substrates for adhesion, proliferation, and long-term function studies (such as total intracellular protein and alkaline phosphatase activity). Results provided the first evidence that astrocytes preferentially adhered and proliferated on carbon fibers that had the largest diameter and the lowest surface energy. Based on these results, composite substrates were also formed using different weight percentages (0-25 wt%) of the nanophase, high surface energy fibers in a polycarbonate urethane matrix. Results provided the first evidence of decreased adhesion of astrocytes with increasing weight percents of the high surface energy carbon nanofibers in the polymer composite; this fur- ther demonstrates that formulations containing carbon fibers in the nano- meter regime may limit astrocyte functions leading to decreased glial scar tissue formation. Positive interactions with neurons, and, at the same time, limited astrocyte functions leading to decreased gliotic scar tissue formation are essential for increased neuronal implant efficacy. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ MACGREGOR, R.B.; POON, G.M.K. The DNA double helix fifty years on COMPUT BIOL CHEM V.27 NO.4-5 [OCT 2003] PP.461-467 RB Macgregor/Univ Toronto/Leslie Dan Fac Pharm/Dept Pharmaceut Sci/19 Rus- sell St/Toronto/ON M5S 2S2/CANADA ___________________________________________________ This year marks the 50th anniversary of the proposal of a double helical structure for DNA by James Watson and Francis Crick. The place of this proposal in the history and development of molecular biology is discussed. Several other discoveries that occurred in the middle of the twentieth century were perhaps equally important to our understanding of cellular processes; however, none of these captured the attention and imagination of the public to the same extent as the double helix. The existence of multiple forms of DNA and the uses of DNA in biological technologies is presented. DNA is also finding increasing use as a material due to its rather unusual structural and physical characteristics as well as its ready availability. (C) 2003 Published by Elsevier Ltd. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ LIU, D.S.; BALASUBRAMANIAN, S. A proton-fuelled DNA nanomachine ANGEW CHEM INT ED V.42 NO.46 [2003] PP.5734-5736 S Balasubramanian/Univ Cambridge/Chem Lab/Lensfield Rd/Cambridge CB2 1EW/- ENGLAND ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ GILES, J. Nanotechnology - What is there to fear from something so small? NATURE V.426 NO.6968 [DEC 18 2003] PP.750 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ BUXTON, D.B.; LEE, S.C.; WICKLINE, S.A.; FERRARI, M. Recommendations of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Nanote- chnology Working Group CIRCULATION V.108 NO.22 [DEC 2 2003] PP.2737-2742 DB Buxton/6701 Rockledge Dr/Bethesda/MD 20892 USA ___________________________________________________ Recent rapid advances in nanotechnology and nanoscience offer a wealth of new opportunities for diagnosis and therapy of cardiovascular, pulmonary, and hematologic diseases and sleep disorders. To review the challenges and opportunities offered by these nascent fields, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute convened a Working Group on Nanotechnology. Working Group participants discussed the various aspects of nanotechnology and its applications to heart, lung, blood, and sleep (HLBS) diseases. This report summarizes their discussions according to scientific opportunities, per- ceived needs and barriers, specific disease examples, and recommendations on facilitating research in the field. An overarching recommendation of the Working Group was to focus on translational applications of nanotechno- logy to solve clinical problems. The Working Group recommended the creation of multidisciplinary research centers capable of developing appli- cations of nanotechnology and nanoscience to HLBS research and medicine. Centers would also disseminate technology, materials, and resources and train new investigators. Individual investigators outside these centers should be encouraged to conduct research on the application of nanotechno- logy to biological and clinical problems. Pilot programs and developmental research are needed to attract new investigators and to stimulate creative, high-impact research. Finally, encouragement of small businesses to develop nanotechnology-based approaches to clinical problems was consi- dered important. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ WU, L.Q.; PAYNE, G.F. Biofabrication: using biological materials and biocatalysts to construct nanostructured assemblies [REVIEW] TRENDS BIOTECH V.22 NO.11 [NOV 2004] PP.593-599 GF Payne/Univ Maryland/Inst Biotechnol/Ctr Biosyst Res/5115 Plant Sci Bldg/- Coll Pk/College Pk/MD 20742 USA ___________________________________________________ Emerging opportunities are placing greater demands on device fabrication: next-generation microelectronics will need minimum features of less than 100 nm, high-throughput drug screening will require facile methods to incorporate sensitive biological components into microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), and implantable devices will need to be built from biocom- patible materials. Increasingly, these emerging demands are being addressed by combining traditional microfabrication methods with 'biofabri- cation': namely, the use of biologically derived materials and biocata- lysts. Recent fabrication techniques are using biological construction materials as process aids or structural components, and enzymes are being considered for their potential to fabricate devices with high selectivity under mild conditions. If incompatibilities between biology and microfabri- cation can be eliminated, then biofabrication will be poised to emerge as the standard for nanoscale construction. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ VASTAG, B. Nanotechnology grows into billion-dollar enterprise J NAT CANCER INST V.96 NO.21 [NOV 3 2004] PP.1566-1567 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++