Overcoming the Coupling Dilemma in DNA‐Programmable Nanoparticle Assemblies by “Ag⁺ Soldering”

Abstract

Strong coupling between nanoparticles is critical for facilitating charge and energy transfers. Despite the great success of DNA-programmable nanoparticle assemblies, the very weak interparticle coupling represents a key barrier to various applications. Here, an extremely simple, fast, and highly efficient process combining DNA-programming and molecular/ionic bonding is developed to address this challenge, which exhibits a seamless fusion with DNA nanotechnology.

Valency Control and Functional Synergy in DNA‐Bonded Nanomolecules

“…) and panels i–iii in (B) (reproduced with permission from ref. ) correspond to Ag + ‐soldered dimers with gap plasmon coupling. Panels iii, iv in (A) and iv in (B) (reproduced with permission from ref.…”

“…This integration requires the AIS reaction being orthogonal to a DNA hybridization process. To demonstrate such a possibility, we have assembled AuNP clusters including dimers and finite linear arrays based on DNA bonding (Figure B, panels i–iii) . We expect that the proximity control by DNA bonding can help a selective soldering of the DNA‐assembled nanoparticles.…”

“…We expect that the proximity control by DNA bonding can help a selective soldering of the DNA‐assembled nanoparticles. In terms of gold dimers, a close to 100 % soldering efficiency has been achieved . This is because an “intra‐molecular” reaction (soldering) of a nanodimer is much easier than an “inter‐molecular” reaction.…”

“…Also, the linear assemblies exhibit more obvious spectral shifts reflecting a long distance coupling. In addition, DNA‐assembled gold/Au@Pd heterodimers can also be soldered efficiently …”

Supramolecular Wireframe DNA Polyhedra: Assembly and Applications

“…[62] This strategy has a potential to make different types of molecular nanoclusters including chiral structures to pursue functions related to nanoparticles' specific spatial configurations. [67][68][69] Gang and co-workers took advantage of an octahedral DNA origami to position gold nanoparticles at its vertices. [70] This octahedral DNA polymerized into an ordered array with the gold nanoparticles serving as inter-vertex linkers.…”