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Updated: Jun 10, 2026
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Assembly of Gold Nanorods into Chiral Plasmonic Metamolecules Using DNA Origami Templates
Published on: March 5, 2019
Programmed assembly of peptide-functionalized gold nanoparticles on DNA templates
Danielle Coomber1, Dorota Bartczak, Simon R Gerrard
1School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK.
Langmuir : the ACS Journal of Surfaces and Colloids
|August 3, 2010
Summary
We developed a new system for building nanoparticle structures using DNA and peptides. This method allows precise control over nanoparticle assembly, creating chains and complex formations.
Area of Science:
- Nanotechnology
- Materials Science
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Self-assembly is a key process in nature and nanotechnology.
- Controlling nanoparticle organization is crucial for advanced materials.
- Peptide-DNA interactions offer a versatile platform for molecular assembly.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce a novel nanoparticle building block system.
- To demonstrate controlled assembly of gold nanoparticles using oligonucleotide templates and DNA-binding peptides.
- To create well-ordered nanoparticle structures, including chains of adjustable length.
Main Methods:
- Coating gold nanoparticles with DNA-binding peptides.
- Utilizing self-organized oligonucleotide templates for nanoparticle organization.
- Regulating peptide density and oligonucleotide design to control assembly.
- Formulating dimers, trimers, and nanoparticle chains.
Main Results:
- Successful formulation of well-ordered nanoparticle structures.
- Demonstrated control over nanoparticle assembly into defined shapes and lengths.
- Creation of nanoparticle dimers, trimers, and adjustable-length chains.
- Potential for assembling more complex nanoparticle architectures.
Conclusions:
- The presented system offers a novel and controllable method for nanoparticle assembly.
- This approach leverages specific peptide-nucleic acid interactions for precise structural organization.
- The findings open avenues for designing advanced nanomaterials with tailored properties.
