Designer, Programmable DNA-peptide hybrid materials with emergent properties to probe and modulate biological systems.

The chemistry of DNA endows it with certain functional properties that facilitate the generation of self-assembled nanostructures, offering precise control over their geometry and morphology, that can be exploited for advanced biological applications. Despite the structural promise of these materials, their applications are limited owing to lack of functional capability to interact favourably with biological systems, which has been achieved by functional proteins or peptides. Herein, we outline a strategy for functionalizing DNA structures with short-peptides, leading to the formation of DNA-peptide hybrid materials.