DNA-linear/dendrite polymer conjugates and their self-assembly behavior

DNA is a negative charged hydrophilic polyelectrolyte. It could covalently link to other polymers with different properties and form some brand new copolymers. These copolymers may self-assembly into macro structures with special morphologies, and these structures can be further functionalized given the recognition ability of DNA. To date, linear polymers like PEG, PEO and PPO have been tried, and some dendrimers were also linked onto DNA strands. Structures from micelle to fiber are observed, and new applications are expected.