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DNA Nanotubes as a Versatile Tool to Study Semiflexible Polymers

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Published on: October 25, 2017

Dynamic Equilibria between DNA-Stabilized Silver Nanoclusters and Silver-Carrying DNA Strands.

Cecilia Cerretani¹, Donato Ranieri², Giacomo Romolini¹

¹Department of Chemistry, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 5, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.

The Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters

|October 9, 2025

Summary

DNA-stabilized silver nanoclusters exhibit dynamic behavior. Ag+-carrying DNA strands reversibly attach, tuning photophysical properties and forming different species based on concentration and temperature.

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Stable DNA Motifs, 1D and 2D Nanostructures Constructed from Small Circular DNA Molecules

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Published on: April 12, 2019

Area of Science:

Nanomaterials Science
Biophysical Chemistry

Background:

DNA-stabilized silver nanoclusters (DNA-AgNCs) are promising NIR emitters.
Their photophysical properties are dictated by the DNA template structure.

Purpose of the Study:

Investigate the temperature- and concentration-dependent behavior of two NIR-emissive DNA-AgNCs.
Elucidate the role of Ag+-carrying DNA strands in tuning photophysical properties.

Main Methods:

Optical spectroscopy (UV-Vis absorption, fluorescence emission, time-resolved anisotropy).
Mass spectrometry (ESI-MS).

Main Results:

Identified three distinct species for 13mer-AgNCs: (13mer)2-[Ag20]10+, (13mer)3-[Ag27]17+, and (13mer)4-[Ag34]24+, dependent on conditions.
Observed temperature-dependent emission shifts and intensity variations for 16mer-AgNCs.
Confirmed aggregate formation for 16mer-AgNCs via time-resolved anisotropy.

Conclusions:

Ag+-carrying DNA strands dynamically interact with DNA-AgNCs, modulating their optical characteristics.
The DNA template plays a crucial role in the assembly and properties of DNA-AgNCs.
Dynamic equilibria govern the interactions between DNA strands and silver nanoclusters.