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Updated: Jun 30, 2025

Author Spotlight: Single-Molecule Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering Measurements Enabled by Plasmonic DNA Origami Nanoantennas
Published on: July 21, 2023
Characterization of Parallel-Stranded DNA Duplexes by Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy and Bromide-Modified Gold
Yujing Zhang1, Xiaoxuan Xiang1, Ying Bao2
1State Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Structure and Materials, College of Chemistry, Jilin University, 2699 Qianjin Street, Changchun 130012, P. R. China.
Abstract:
The parallel double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) demonstrates potential utility in molecular biology, diagnosis, therapy, and molecular assembly. However, techniques for the characterization of parallel dsDNA are limited. Here, we demonstrate that a series of intensive characteristic Raman bands of three parallel dsDNAs, which are stabilized by reverse Hoogsteen A+·A+ base pairs or hemiprotonated C+·C, G·G minor groove edge, Hoogsteen A·A base pairs, or Hoogsteen T·A, C+·G base pairs, have been observed by surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) when the gold nanoparticles modified by bromine and magnesium ions (Au BMNPs) were used as substrates. The featured bands can not only accurately discriminate parallel dsDNA from antiparallel one but also identify the strand orientation within dsDNA. The proposed approach will have a significant impact on DNA analysis, especially in the detection and differentiation of various DNA conformations.

