# Left-Handed Helices in DNA Nanotechnology

## TL;DR

This paper explores the use of left-handed DNA helices in building nanoscale structures and their potential impact on DNA nanotechnology.

## Contribution

The paper highlights the use of left-handed DNA helices, such as Z-DNA and L-DNA, in DNA nanotechnology and their unique structural properties.

## Key findings

- Left-handed helices like Z-DNA and L-DNA can be used in DNA nanotechnology.
- Structures with global left-handed helicity but right-handed DNA units are also feasible.
- Left-handed helices offer new design possibilities for nanostructures.

## Abstract

DNA nanotechnology
involves the use of DNA as a material to build
nanoscale shapes and structures. This strategy typically uses the
conventional right-handed B-form DNA for nanoscale construction. In
some cases, alternate nucleic acid structures, such as those that
form left-handed helices, are used in the design and assembly of nanostructures.
Creation of left-handed helices for nanostructures uses Z-DNA, a left-handed
structure, or L-DNA strands that result in the formation of a left-handed
duplex. In addition, structures that have a global left-handed helicity
but underlying right-handed B-DNA units have also been created. This
perspective discusses the left-hand helices used in DNA nanotechnology,
their applications, and their future impact.