“Nano-catalyst” for DNA transformation

We introduce poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) decorated silicon nanowire arrays as a novel nano-catalyst for DNA transformation. Almost all of the steps in the transformation process are facilitated by the nano-catalyst, such as DNA acquisition, cell adhesion, DNA transfer, and transformant release. It can promote DNA transformation dramatically and meets the requirements for recombinant DNA operations, including molecular library construction.