Bionanotechnology: Lessons from Nature

David S. Goodsell9780471417194, 0-471-41719-X

Discussions of the basic structural, nanotechnology, and system engineering principles, as well as an introductory overview of essential concepts and methods in biotechnology, will be included. Text is presented side-by-side with extensive use of high-quality illustrations prepared using cutting edge computer graphics techniques. Includes numerous examples, such applications in genetic engineering. Represents the only available introduction and overview of this interdisciplinary field, merging the physical and biological sciences. Concludes with the authors’ expert assessment of the future promise of nanotechnology, from molecular “tinkertoys” to nanomedicine. David Goodsell is author of two trade books, Machinery of Life and Our Molecular Nature, and Arthur Olson is the world’s leader in molecular graphics and nano-scale representation.

---

Table of contents :
Cover Page……Page 1
Title Page……Page 3
Edition Info……Page 4
CONTENTS……Page 5
1 The Quest for Nanotechnology……Page 13
2 Bionanomachines in Action……Page 21
The Unfamiliar World of Bionanomachines……Page 22
Modern Biomaterials……Page 26
The Legacy of Evolution……Page 40
Guided Tour of Natural Bionanomachinery……Page 44
3 Biomolecular Design and Biotechnology……Page 54
Recombinant DNA Technology……Page 56
Molecular Modeling……Page 77
Biomolecular Structure Determination……Page 68
4 Structural Principles of Bionanotechnology……Page 86
Natural Bionanomachinery is Designed for a Specific Environment……Page 87
A Hierarchical Strategy Allows Construction of Nanomachines……Page 88
The Raw Materials: Biomolecular Structure and Stability……Page 91
Protein Folding……Page 102
Self-Assembly……Page 114
Self-Organization……Page 127
Molecular Recognition……Page 132
Flexibility……Page 140
5 Functional Principles of Bionanotechnology……Page 146
Information-Driven Nanoassembly……Page 147
Energetics……Page 156
Chemical Transformation……Page 169
Regulation……Page 178
Biomaterials……Page 184
Biomolecular Motors……Page 200
Traffic Across Membranes……Page 214
Biomolecular Sensing……Page 222
Self-Replication……Page 227
Machine-Phase Bionanotechnology……Page 232
6 Bionanotechnology Today……Page 238
Basic Capabilities……Page 239
Nanomedicine Today……Page 248
Self-Assembly at Many Scales……Page 259
Harnessing Molecular Motors……Page 268
DNA Computers……Page 272
Molecular Design Using Biological Selection……Page 277
Artificial Life……Page 288
Hybrid Materials……Page 296
Biosensors……Page 301
7 The Future of Bionanotechnology……Page 306
A Timetable for Bionanotechnology……Page 307
Lessons for Molecular Nanotechnology……Page 309
Three Case Studies……Page 311
Ethical Considerations……Page 320
Literature……Page 323
Sources……Page 330
Index……Page 333