Posted: January 22, 2008 |
DNA nanowires |
(Nanowerk News) Fastening azide-functionalised gold nanoparticles onto modified DNA holds great promise for nanoscale electrical circuits, say German researchers ("Chain-like assembly of gold nanoparticles on artificial DNA templates via click chemistry" – free access article).
|
The trend for miniaturisation in electronics, and size and cost limitations of conventional lithographic techniques, has led researchers to develop alternative routes to nanoelectronic components. DNA is a useful template for nanoscale electronic devices, explained Simon from the Institute for Inorganic Chemistry, Aachen, Germany, due to its well-defined structure and many electrostatic and chemical binding sites which can be modified.
|
|
Gold nanoparticles attached to a DNA strans at regular intervals form a nanowire
|
Simon and colleagues have made a new type of gold nanoparticle containing an azide (-N3) functional group. They have coupled the nanoparticles to artificial DNA, where thymine bases are replaced by alkyne-modified derivatives, using a copper catalysed cycloaddition reaction. This densely covers the DNA with nanoparticles at highly regular intervals. As the nanoparticles can conduct electricity, the nanoparticle-modified DNA can potentially be used as a nanowire.
|
Monika Fischler, who also worked on the project, said that the 'major advantages [of this route] are the programmability of the DNA template through incorporating artificial bases, as well as the high selectivity and yield of the copper catalysed reaction.'
|
Duncan Graham of the University of Strathclyde, UK, praised the work. He said that the 'formation of chains of nanoparticles is very challenging and this is a good approach to producing nanowires that potentially conduct electricity better.'
|