Formation of Au(III)-DNA coordinate complex by laser ablation of Au nanoparticles in solution

We discovered that an Au(III)-DNA coordinate complex, Au(III)(DNA-base)2(amine)L, are formed by laser ablation of Au nanoparticles in an aqueous solution containing DNA molecules in the presence of amines and multi-valent cations, where L represents an unknown ligand (either amine or water). Optical absorption spectrum of the solution after laser ablation exhibited a 360 nm absorption peak assined to ligand-->Au(III) charge transfer (LMCT) band of the coordinate complex. The complex is considered to be formed as follows: (1) the DNA molecules are neutralized by binding the multi-valent cations to their negatively charged phosphate groups, and adsorbed on the surface of the Au nanoparticles by a hydrophobic interaction, (2) Au(III) ions are liberated from the Au nanoparticles by laser ablation, and (3) an Au(III) ion reacts with amine and two DNA bases of a DNA molecule into an Au(III)(DNA-base)2(amine)L.