Selective assembly of multi-component nanosprings and nanorods

This communication proposes a new approach to create complex hierarchical nano-to-meso-scale architectures based on the use of biological connector molecules to direct the assembly of uniquely shaped multi-component nanostructures fabricated using glancing angle deposition (GLAD). Multiple sets of 50-nm-wide and 150 to 650-nm-tall Si-Cr/Au multi-stack zigzag nanosprings and nanorods are grown by GLAD on Si substrates. Nanorods, chosen for selective assembly, are detached from the substrate, suspended in an aqueous solution, and their surfaces are selectively functionalized by attaching biotin and streptavidin connector-molecules to the Au-regions. Successive mixing of different suspensions leads to the end-to-end assembly of long and short nanorods. This technique provides the path to build hybrid nano-architectures including nano-honeycombs, nanoladders, and 3D nanorod networks, comprised of controlled material combinations.