Nylon/DNA: Single-stranded DNA with a covalently stitched nylon lining.

The synthesis of DNA/nylon ladder oligomers is described. Three stages of the development are addressed: the synthesis of 2'-beta-substituted phosphoramidites, the deprotection/purification protocols of ODNs modified with both amino and carboxyl groups, and amide bond-forming reactions on the ODNs. The established technology and the novel DNA-based ladder oligomer structure opens a pathway to the synthesis of topological molecular objects and networks templated by DNA through versatile DNA nanotechnology. The DNA-based ladder oligomers may find application in the antisense area.