The concept behind molecular nanotechnology is to use individual molecules (or atoms) as the components in nanoscale devices. However, obtaining functional molecular components and organizing them is a major problem limiting the reality of molecular nanotechnology. Biomolecular nanotechnology existing in nature functions as both a proof of principle and a source of ideas for nanoscientists. Like self-assembly and coupling, templating is an enabling biomimetic technique.
Directed assembly through use of a template is a useful method at any scale. For instance, if one wishes to paint "No Skateboarding" in numerous locations, an easy way is to cut out the words "No Skateboarding" from a piece of cardboard (or other material). This piece of cardboard is the template. The desired pattern can then be mass produced by holding the template up against a surface and quickly spraying the template with paint. Removing the template from the surface will leave the desired pattern and the template can be reused. Applying this technique to the microscale allows the mass production of computer chips. In this case the template is called a photolithographic mask and the paint is replaced with light. By means of this kind of templating, chip manufacturers are able to carve microscale structures on silicon chips with high reproducibility.
The most ubiquitous example of a biomolecular template is DNA. DNA is a linear, chain-like polymer where each link in the chain can be one of four possible groups. The information contained within the DNA sequence allows it to direct the synthesis of the myriad of proteins that function as molecular components in biomolecular nanotechnology. Like DNA, proteins are also linear, chain-like polymers with a sequence determined by the DNA template. The coupling of the DNA template to the protein product is known as transcription and translation, which are 2 of the most efficient information processing mechanisms known. Molecular imprinting, inorganic nanotube synthesis and vesicle templating are a couple ways that nanoscientists are currently applying templating to the nanoscale.
