Molecular recognition and self-assembly special feature: Assembly and organization processes in DNA-directed colloidal crystallization.
We present an analysis of the key steps involved in the DNA-directed assembly of nanoparticles into crystallites and polycrystalline aggregates. Additionally, the rate of crystal growth as a function of increased DNA linker length, solution temperature, and self-complementary versus non-self-complementary DNA linker strands (1- versus 2-component systems) has been studied. The data show that the crystals grow via a 3-step process: an initial "random binding" phase resulting in disordered DNA-AuNP aggregates, followed by localized reorganization and subsequent growth of crystalline domain size, where the resulting crystals are well-ordered at all subsequent stages of growth.
Macfarlane
Robert J
RJ
Department of Chemistry and International Institute for Nanotechnology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208-3113, USA.
Lee
Byeongdu
B
Hill
Haley D
HD
Senesi
Andrew J
AJ
Seifert
Soenke
S
Mirkin
Chad A
CA
D001483:Base Sequence; D003102:Colloids / Q000737:chemistry; D003460:Crystallization; D004247:DNA / Q000737:chemistry*; D006046:Gold / Q000737:chemistry*; D007700:Kinetics; D053768:Metal Nanoparticles / Q000737:chemistry*; D008956:Models, Chemical; D009841:Oligonucleotides / Q000737:chemistry; D010316:Particle Size; D014961:X-Ray Diffraction
D003102:Colloids; D009841:Oligonucleotides; D006046:Gold; D004247:DNA