Recent progress in G-quadruplex DNA in deep eutectic solvent

Guanine-rich nucleic acids are known to form four-stranded G-quadruplex structures which are attracting increasing attention in diverse areas such as biology, medicinal chemistry, supramolecular chemistry and nanotechnology. To date, the handling media for DNA has largely been limited to an aqueous phase. Since many chemical reactions and devices are required to be performed under strictly anhydrous conditions, even at high temperature, it is meaningful but challenging to conduct G-quadruplex DNA in water-free medium. Recently, deep eutectic solvent (DES), a related material to ionic liquilds (ILs) was considered as a new class of anhydrous media for DNA. This review highlights the stability, structure, folding dynamics and thermodynamics of G-quadruplex in DES. Spectroscopic methodologies, like circular dichroism, UV and fluorescence, are mainly employed in these studies. (C) 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.