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Updated: Jul 3, 2026

DNA Nanotubes as a Versatile Tool to Study Semiflexible Polymers
Published on: October 25, 2017
Noncovalent functionalization of DNA-wrapped single-walled carbon nanotubes with platinum-based DNA cross-linkers
Gordana N Ostojic1, John R Ireland, Mark C Hersam
1Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208-3108, USA.
Abstract:
A method for noncovalent functionalization of DNA-wrapped single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) using platinum-based DNA cross-linkers is investigated. In particular, cisplatin and potassium tetrachloroplatinate are shown to bind to DNA that encapsulates SWNTs in aqueous solution. The bound platinum salt can then be reduced to decorate the DNA-encapsulated SWNTs with platinum nanoparticles. The resulting SWNT/DNA/Pt hybrids are investigated by optical absorption spectroscopy, circular dichroism spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy. The unique combination of catalytic activity of nanoscale platinum, biological functionality of DNA, and optoelectronic properties of SWNTs suggests a myriad of applications including fuel cells, catalysts, biosensors, and electrochemical devices.
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