Self-assembly nucleic acid-based biopolymers: learn from the nature

This review highlights the recent developments in nucleic acid-based based materials for biomedical applications and functional devices. DNA and RNA are anionic macromolecules composing sugar-phosphate backbone, which usually structure as rod-like double helix with base pair stacking. Electrostatic interactions are the main components in the complex formed between anionic nucleic acid and cationic molecule. These nucleic acid-based biopolymers have significant potential as functional materials for drug delivery, biosensors, and a scaffold for many biodegradable materials.