title: Ag2 and Ag3 clusters: synthesis, characterization, and interaction with DNA.
abstract: Subnanometric samples, containing exclusively Ag2 and Ag3 clusters, were synthesized for the first time by kinetic control using an electrochemical technique without the use of surfactants or capping agents. By combination of thermodynamic and kinetic measurements and theoretical calculations, we show herein that Ag3 clusters interact with DNA through intercalation, inducing significant structural distortion to the DNA. The lifetime of Ag3 clusters in the intercalated position is two to three orders of magnitude longer than for classical organic intercalators, such as ethidium bromide or proflavine.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Chemistry, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela (Spain).
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Buceta
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, University of Burgos, 9001 Burgos (Spain).
authors.forename: Natalia
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Busto
authors.affiliation: Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo (Italy).
authors.forename: Giampaolo
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Barone
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, University of Burgos, 9001 Burgos (Spain).
authors.forename: José M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Leal
authors.affiliation: Department of Physiology and Centro de Investigaciones en Medicina Molecular y Enfermedades Crónicas (CIMUS), University of Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela (Spain).
authors.forename: Fernando
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Domínguez
authors.affiliation: Instituto de Investigaciones Fisicoquímicas Teóricas y Aplicadas (INIFTA), Universidad Nacional de La Plata-CONICET, Sucursal 4 Casilla de Correo 16 (1900) La Plata (Argentina).
authors.forename: Lisandro J
authors.initials: LJ
authors.lastname: Giovanetti
authors.affiliation: Instituto de Investigaciones Fisicoquímicas Teóricas y Aplicadas (INIFTA), Universidad Nacional de La Plata-CONICET, Sucursal 4 Casilla de Correo 16 (1900) La Plata (Argentina).
authors.forename: Félix G
authors.initials: FG
authors.lastname: Requejo
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, University of Burgos, 9001 Burgos (Spain). begar@ubu.es.
authors.forename: Begoña
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: García
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Chemistry, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela (Spain). malopez.quintela@usc.es.
authors.forename: M Arturo
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: López-Quintela
mesh_terms: D004247:DNA / Q000737:chemistry; D004563:Electrochemistry / Q000379:methods*; D012834:Silver / Q000737:chemistry*
chemical_list: D012834:Silver; D004247:DNA
keywords: DNA; cluster compounds; electrochemical synthesis; intercalation; silver