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DNA Origami-Driven Trap-State Control in Single Silicon Quantum Dot.
Mridu Sharma1, Shikha Rai1, Tapasi Sen1
1Institute of Nano Science and Technology, Sector-81, Mohali, Punjab 140306, India.
The Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters
|April 8, 2026
Summary
DNA origami nanostructures enhance silicon quantum dot (Si QD) performance by improving ON-time and photon yield. This immobilization improves photostability, enabling advanced nanoscale optoelectronic applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Quantum Optics
Background:
- Silicon quantum dots (Si QDs) are promising for optoelectronics but suffer from surface defects affecting their photoluminescence.
- Controlling the spatial organization of Si QDs is crucial for optimizing their optical properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how DNA origami nanostructures influence the photoluminescence blinking dynamics, fluorescence lifetime, and emission statistics of individual Si QDs.
- To understand the role of nanoscale spatial organization in enhancing Si QD photostability.
Main Methods:
- Single-particle photoluminescence spectroscopy was employed.
- Individual Si QDs were precisely anchored onto DNA origami nanostructures.
- Blinking dynamics, fluorescence lifetime, and photobleaching were analyzed.
Main Results:
- DNA origami-bound Si QDs showed a ~2-fold increase in ON-time and 40-60% higher photon yields compared to bare or ssDNA-bound Si QDs.
- Fluorescence lifetime increased from ~3 ns to 6-7 ns.
- Blinking behavior transitioned from inverse to truncated power-law.
Conclusions:
- DNA origami serves as a programmable passivation layer, suppressing surface trap states and enhancing Si QD photostability.
- This approach enables the integration of Si QDs into advanced nanoscale optoelectronic and photonic devices.
