The main biological function of nucleic acids is to store and transmit genetic information required for life. However, both DNA and RNA can serve purposes beyond genetic storage and transfer. They can display catalytic activity for various chemical reactions, binding affinity for diverse molecules, and responsiveness for chemical stimuli. Since the discovery of naturally occurring catalytic RNA (ribozymes) in the 1980s, RNA molecules with certain functions have been discovered in nature, selected from random pools, or designed rationally. Although no natural DNA catalysts have been reported, many artificial deoxyribozymes and DNA aptamers have been described. In addition, DNA and RNA switches have been discovered in nature and developed to regulate biological and chemical reactions. These functional nucleic acids have been employed for a broad spectrum of applications in biotechnology. Moreover, functional nucleic acids are opening new avenues for nanotechnology ranging from biosensors to computation. We believe that the time is ripe in this related research area to expand functions of nucleic acids and to explore new directions for functional nucleic acids.

This special issue will focus on the synthesis and application of functional nucleic acids. We invite authors to submit original research as well as review articles of recent topics related to nucleic acids with functionalities. Chemical synthesis and characterization of nucleic acids also would be of great interest. Potential topics include, but are not limited to:

• Rational or evolutionary design of functional nucleic acids
• Chemical synthesis and modification of nucleic acids
• New methodologies for the development of functional nucleic acids
• (Deoxy)ribozymes
• DNA and RNA aptamers
• (Deoxy)riboswitches
• Structure-function relationship of nucleic acids
• Higher-order structure of nucleic acids
• Functional nucleic acids in biotechnology
• Functional nucleic acids in nanotechnology
• Biophysical and biochemical studies of nucleic acids

Before submission authors should carefully read over the journal's Author Guidelines, which are located at http://www.hindawi.com/journals/jna/guidelines/. Prospective authors should submit an electronic copy of their complete manuscript through the journal Manuscript Tracking System at http://mts.hindawi.com/ according to the following timetable: