Use of Oligonucleotide Conjugates in Creating Self-Assembling Supramolecular Systems

Abstract

The chemistry of two types of oligonucleotide conjugates containing novel chromophores are described. One, containing a stilbenedicarboxamide bridge, generates unusually stable hairpin structures that are useful in assessing rates of electron transfer through the π system of a DNA double helix. The other, containing gold nanoparticle conjugates, provides a highly selective system for detecting nucleotide sequences in oligonucleotides.