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A chiroptical switch based on DNA/layered double hydroxide ultrathin films
Wenying Shi1, Yankun Jia, Simin Xu
1State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology , Beijing 100029, P. R. China.
Langmuir : the ACS Journal of Surfaces and Colloids
|October 7, 2014
Summary
A novel chiroptical switch was developed using DNA and layered double hydroxide (LDH) nanosheets. This film enables reversible optical chirality control through molecule intercalation, showing potential for data storage applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Biomaterials
Background:
- Layered double hydroxide (LDH) nanosheets provide a rigid matrix for ordered DNA assembly.
- DNA's structure within LDH facilitates intercalation of guest molecules.
- Chiroptical switches are crucial for advanced optical applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To fabricate a highly oriented film using DNA and MgAl-LDH nanosheets.
- To demonstrate the application of this film as a chiroptical switch.
- To investigate the intercalation mechanism of an achiral molecule into the DNA-LDH matrix.
Main Methods:
- Layer-by-layer self-assembly of DNA and MgAl-LDH nanosheets.
- Fabrication of an ultrathin film (UTF) incorporating TMPyP.
- Characterization using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), fluorescence spectroscopy, and circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy.
Main Results:
- DNA molecules formed an ordered state within the LDH interlayer region.
- TMPyP successfully intercalated into the DNA cavity of the (DNA/LDH)20 UTF.
- The TMPyP-(DNA/LDH)20 UTF exhibited reversible and repeatable chiroptical switching upon exposure to acid-base vapors.
Conclusions:
- A DNA/LDH-based ultrathin film can be fabricated with controlled orientation.
- The film demonstrates tunable chiroptical properties via molecular intercalation.
- This system shows promise as a responsive chiroptical switch for potential data storage applications.
