DNA-directed gold nanodimers with tailored ensemble surface-enhanced Raman scattering properties

Gold nanodimers (GNDs) are assembled with high uniformity as ideal surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrates through DNA-directed self-assembly of gold nanoparticles. The interparticle distance within GNDs is precisely tailored on the order of a few nanometers with changing the molecule length of DNA bridge. The ensemble SERS activity of monodispersed GNDs is then rationally engineered by modifying the structural parameters of GNDs including the particle size and interparticle distance. Theoretical studies on the level of single GND evidence the particle size- and interparticle-distance-dependent SERS effects, consistent with the ensemble averaged measurements.