DNA-Gold Nanoparticle Dumbbells: Synthesis and Nanoscale Characterization

We report an efficient, high-yield method for synthesizing dumbbell-shaped conjugates composed of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) connected by double-stranded (ds) DNA. The dsDNA, bearing terminal thiol groups, was covalently attached to two AuNPs to form uniform constructs comprising either 15 nm or 25 nm particles bridged by 38 base pairs (bp) or 100 bp dsDNA. The dumbbells were purified by gel electrophoresis and exhibited high stability, remaining intact for several days in pure water or buffers at ambient temperature. Deposition onto solid substrates followed by drying, however, led to their partial structural collapse. TEM imaging showed that deposition on carbon grids typically yielded dumbbell structures with interparticle gaps of only 1-2 nm, suggesting that the dsDNA bridge contracts during deposition and drying. However, deposition on polylysine-coated mica for AFM imaging preserved the native geometry, with the gaps consistent with the expected DNA length. Our results reveal that deposition significantly affects the structure and integrity of dsDNA bridges in dumbbell constructs, highlighting the importance of appropriate substrate and surface coating selection for reliable characterization of DNA properties in dried dumbbells.