Bionanocomposites: Integrating Biological Processes for Bioinspired Nanotechnologies [Hardcover]

Beginning with a general overview of nanocomposites, Bionanocomposites: Integrating Biological Processes for Bio-inspired Nanotechnologies details the systems available in nature (nucleic acids, proteins, carbohydrates, lipids) that can be integrated within suitable inorganic matrices for specific applications.? Describing the relationship between architecture, hierarchy and function, this book aims at pointing out how bio-systems can be key components of nanocomposites. The text then reviews the design principles, structures, functions and applications of bionanocomposites. It also includes a section presenting related technical methods to help?readers identify and understand the most widely used analytical tools such as mass spectrometry, calorimetry, and impedance spectroscopy, among others.

List of Contributors xv

1 What Are Bionanocomposites? 1
Agathe Urvoas, Marie ValerioLepiniec, Philippe Minard and Cordt Zollfrank

1.1 Introduction 1

1.2 A Molecular Perspective: Why Biological Macromolecules? 3

1.3 Challenges for Bionanocomposites 3

References 6

2 Molecular Architecture of Living Matter 9

2.1 Nucleic Acids 11
Enora Prado, M?nika ?dokSipiczki and Corinne Nardin

2.1.1 Introduction: A Bit of History 11

2.1.2 Definition and Structure 12

2.1.2.1 Nomenclature 12

2.1.2.2 Structure 13

2.1.3 DNA and RNA Functions 15

2.1.3.1 Introduction 15

2.1.3.2 TranscriptionTranslation Process 16

2.1.3.3 Replication Process 18

2.1.4 Specific Secondary Structures 19

2.1.4.1 WatsonCrick HBonds 19

2.1.4.1.1 StemLoop 19&ll0