Caption

DNA nanotechnology, conceptual computer artwork. Allotropes of carbon can be seen, including carbon nanotubes (upper left) and buckyballs (lower left and upper right). Also seen is a molecule of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid), extending diagonally from centre to lower right. DNA nanotechnology is the use of DNA in technologies on the scale of nanometres (billionths of a metre). One example is DNA-based nanotube and buckyball structures that resemble their carbon counterparts. They may be used in applications ranging from new structural materials that are stronger and lighter, to electronic components for new supercomputers, to drug delivery systems.