DNA-directed assembly anisotropic nanoparticles on lithographically defined surfaces and in solution

Anisotropic, noble metal nanoparticles have been synthesized using a template synthesis strategy. In short, metallic salts are reduced in the nanometer scale pores of either an alumina or polycarbonate membrane. The particles can then been released from the template to form suspensions of anisotropic nanoparticles. These nanoparticles have been modified with deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) oligomers of varying length using several different attachment chemistries. The thermodynamics and kinetics of modifying these particles with DNA has been explored. DNA has also been used to assemble the particles on planar Au surfaces as well as lithographically defined Au pads on Si wafers. In addition to surface assembly, DNA has been used to assemble the nanowires into simple, yet deterministic structures in solution.