Sol–Gel Reaction Using DNA as a Template: An Attempt Toward Transcription of DNA into Inorganic Materials

The topologically different structures in plasmid DNA can be successfully transcribed into silica structures by using the DNA as a template for sol–gel polycondensation of tetraethoxysilane after treatment by two cation-exchange steps (see scheme). These findings imply that the different ordered silica structures can be created from the same template through its higher-order conformational changes.