The developments of semisynthetic DNA–protein conjugates

Semisynthetic DNA–protein conjugates, generated by either covalent or non-covalent coupling chemistry, are versatile molecular tools applicable in bioanalytical and synthetic chemical procedures. This article reviews the synthesis and characterization of artificial nucleic acid–protein conjugates, in addition to applications arising in the life sciences and nanobiotechnology, such as the self-assembly of high-affinity reagents for immunological detection assays and biosensors, the fabrication of laterally microstructured biochips, and the biomimetic ‘bottom-up’ synthesis of nanostructured supramolecular devices.