Omega Nucleic Acids (ΩNA), Ultimate Nucleic Acids for Future Technology

DNA and RNA, by focusing on their unique molecular properties, have transcended their role as carriers of genetic information in life and pioneered new application fields such as molecular robotics and molecular computing. However, as these technologies advance, the limitations inherent in natural nucleic acids and their ecosystems are increasingly becoming apparent as barriers to further application. To overcome these constraints, efforts to create artificial nucleic acids using chemical synthesis are underway and are now reaching a new stage of development. This paper proposes a concept of ultimate nucleic acid, "Omega Nucleic Acids (ΩNA)," as a thought experiment. We discuss the specifications required for this molecule, its implementable functions and approaches, and the construction of an ecosystem centered around ΩNA. By working backward from the characteristics of known natural and artificial nucleic acids, while envisioning next-generation artificial systems and applications in extreme environments, we aim to explore new approaches to nucleic acid chemistry and provide guidelines for constructing innovative artificial molecular systems.

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Publication Details

Journal
Molecules
Published
2026-02-02
DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules31030523
Primary Topic
Advanced biosensing and bioanalysis techniques
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
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article

Omega Nucleic Acids (ΩNA), Ultimate Nucleic Acids for Future Technology

Yusuke Takezawa, Ryojun Toyoda, Keiji Murayama, Shogo Hamada et al.
Molecules
Advanced biosensing and bioanalysis techniques
article

Omega Nucleic Acids (ΩNA), Ultimate Nucleic Acids for Future Technology

Yusuke Takezawa, Ryojun Toyoda, Keiji Murayama, Shogo Hamada, Akinori Kuzuya
article en

Abstract

DNA and RNA, by focusing on their unique molecular properties, have transcended their role as carriers of genetic information in life and pioneered new application fields such as molecular robotics and molecular computing. However, as these technologies advance, the limitations inherent in natural nucleic acids and their ecosystems are increasingly becoming apparent as barriers to further application. To overcome these constraints, efforts to create artificial nucleic acids using chemical synthesis are underway and are now reaching a new stage of development. This paper proposes a concept of ultimate nucleic acid, "Omega Nucleic Acids (ΩNA)," as a thought experiment. We discuss the specifications required for this molecule, its implementable functions and approaches, and the construction of an ecosystem centered around ΩNA. By working backward from the characteristics of known natural and artificial nucleic acids, while envisioning next-generation artificial systems and applications in extreme environments, we aim to explore new approaches to nucleic acid chemistry and provide guidelines for constructing innovative artificial molecular systems.

MoleculesVol. 31(3)
Tokyo Institute of Technology (JP), Shibaura Institute of Technology (JP), Tohoku University (JP), Kansai University (JP), Nagoya University (JP)
Openalex Percentile: Top 70%
Advanced biosensing and bioanalysis techniques
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Omega Nucleic Acids (ΩNA), Ultimate Nucleic Acids for Future Technology — Yusuke Takezawa, Ryojun Toyoda, et al. · Molecules (2026) | TGRS Research Map | TGRS