Semi-synthetic nucleic acid–protein conjugates: applications in life sciences and nanobiotechnology

Semi-synthetic conjugates of nucleic acids and proteins can be generated by either covalent coupling chemistry, or else by non-covalent biomolecular recognition systems, such as receptor–ligands of complementary nucleic acids. These nucleic acid–protein conjugates are versatile molecular tools which can be applied, for instance, in the self-assembly of high-affinity reagents for immunological detection assays, the fabrication of laterally microstructured biochips containing functional biological groups, and the biomimetic ‘bottom–up’ synthesis of nanostructured supramolecular devices. This review summarizes the current state-of-the-art synthesis and characterization methods of artificial nucleic acid–protein conjugates, as well as applications and perspectives for future developments of such hybrid biomolecular components in life sciences and nanobiotechnology.