Abstract: The compositions, systems, and methods relate to substituted and asymmetric gemini surfactants for use in delivering biologically active agents, such as nucleic acids, to a subject. The described compositions, systems, and methods are useful for gene therapy.

Abstract: In various aspects, the invention provides molecular systems for storing and retrieving information. In some embodiments, polymers capable of selectively binding metal ions, such as nucleic acids, are used to record information in the form of a particular molecular conformation. Electrochemical assay methods employing nanopores may be used to read and write information using such polymeric media. In some embodiments, information may be recorded in a nucleic acid polymer by magnetically modulating the translocation of the nucleic acid through a channel in a medium, while simultaneously modulating the electrostatic potential across the channel. In this way, the incorporation of a divalent metal ion in the nucleic acid duplex may be modulated to store information. In an alternative aspect, the invention provides analogous processes for detecting a base pair mismatch in a nucleic acid polymer.

Abstract: Organic circuit elements and organic conductors are disclosed, together with electron acceptors and donors that may be chemically modified to alter the conductivity of the circuit or organic conductor. An organic circuit element includes a plurality of members, each of which includes an oligonucleotide duplex. The plurality of members includes at least one donor member for receiving conduction electrons from an electron donor, at least one acceptor member for communicating with an electron acceptor to provide a region of attraction for the conduction electrons, and at least one regulator member intersecting with at least one of the plurality of members to define at least one electric field regulation junction, for cooperating with an electric field regulator to regulate an electric field at the junction.