Japan’s RIKEN describe a new method to immobilize a given number of oligonucleotides (ODNs) on gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) in a specific arrangement directed by a geometrical template made of DNA. The basic strategy is as follows. First, a set of thiolated ODNs for immobilization and a nonthiolated template are hybridized to make a DNA nanostructure. Next, the DNA nanostructure is reacted with AuNPs via the thiol groups to form a complex of the AuNP and the DNA nanostructure. Finally, the intended AuNP/ODN conjugate is obtained by removing the template from the complex. The above strategy enables us to make various formats of AuNP/ODN conjugates simply by changing the design of the DNA nanostructure. We demonstrate proof-of-concept experiments using a linear design of the DNA nanostructure.
Top-down methods such as immobilization by a tip of scanning probe microscope are very precise, but prohibitively slow. In contrast, Riken’s DNA template is extremely fast and automated, and represents a new type of ‘nanomachine.’ This is advance for bottom up nanomanufacturing.
11 page pdf with supporting information
Brian Wang is a Futurist Thought Leader and a popular Science blogger with 1 million readers per month. His blog Nextbigfuture.com is ranked #1 Science News Blog. It covers many disruptive technology and trends including Space, Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, Medicine, Anti-aging Biotechnology, and Nanotechnology.
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