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Interrupted DNA and Slow Silver Cluster Luminescence
David Lewis1, Caleb Setzler1, Peter M Goodwin2
1Department of Chemistry, Furman University, Greenville, South Carolina 29163, United States.
Summary
DNA-silver cluster conjugates exhibit tunable luminescence. Interrupting the DNA strand with thymine or breaking it alters the Ag10 6+ chromophore
Area of Science:
- Nanomaterials Science
- Biophysical Chemistry
- DNA Nanotechnology
Background:
- DNA-silver cluster conjugates act as hierarchical chromophores.
- The DNA backbone and nucleobases influence silver cluster properties.
- Specific DNA sequences can spectrally tune silver clusters.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how DNA backbone integrity affects silver cluster luminescence.
- To explore the role of thymine as a placeholder in DNA-silver conjugates.
- To compare the luminescence properties of contiguous vs. broken DNA scaffolds.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of DNA-silver cluster conjugates with interrupted sequences.
- Spectroscopic analysis of luminescence properties (prompt and sustained).
- Oxygen quenching studies to assess luminescence stability.
Main Results:
- The (C2A)2-T-(C2A)4 sequence forms Ag10 6+ with dual green and red luminescence.
- Removing thymine results in two separate fragments, (C2A)2 and (C2A)4, also forming Ag10 6+.
- The broken scaffold exhibits weaker red luminescence, faster relaxation, and quicker O2 quenching compared to the contiguous sequence.
Conclusions:
- A break in the DNA phosphodiester backbone can regulate scaffold conformation.
- Scaffold wrapping and protection of the silver cluster adduct are influenced by backbone integrity.
- These findings offer insights into controlling the optical properties of DNA-silver nanostructures.
