Liquid crystals of DNA-stabilized carbon nanotubes

Water-based liquid crystals of unfunctionalized carbon nanotubes are reported for the first time (see Figure, scale bar: 50 mu m). Denatured DNA is used to stabilize the nanotube suspensions. The average length and diameter of the nanotubes are measured using dynamic light scattering. The phase diagram of the system is discussed on the basis of these dimensional characterizations.