Understanding Oligonucleotide-Templated Nanocrystals: Growth Mechanisms and Surface Properties

Tae-Gon Cha, Birck Nanotechnology Center, Purdue University
Benjamin A. Baker, Birck Nanotechnology Center, Purdue University
Janette Salgado, Birck Nanotechnology Center, Purdue University
Christopher J. Bates, Birck Nanotechnology Center, Purdue University
Kok Hao Chen, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
Alice C. Chang, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
M. Cem Akatay, Birck Nanotechnology Center, Purdue University
Jae-Hee Han, Gachon Univ
Michael S. Strano, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
Jong Hyun Choi, Birck Nanotechnology Center, Purdue University

Date of this Version

9-2012

Citation

Understanding Oligonucleotide-Templated Nanocrystals: Growth Mechanisms and Surface Properties Tae-Gon Cha, Benjamin A. Baker, Janette Salgado, Christopher J. Bates, Kok Hao Chen, Alice C. Chang, M. Cem Akatay, Jae-Hee Han, Michael S. Strano, and Jong Hyun Choi ACS Nano 2012 6 (9), 8136-8143 DOI: 10.1021/nn302779m

Abstract

We describe studies of nanoparticle synthesis using oligonucleotides as capping ligands. The oligonucleotides nucleate, grow, and stabilize near-infrared fluorescent, approximately uniform PbS nanocrystals in an aqueous environment. The properties of the resulting particles strongly depend upon the sequences as well as synthesis conditions. Fourier Transform infrared measurements suggest that functional groups on the nucleobases such as carbonyl and amine moieties are responsible for surface passivation, while the phosphate backbone is strained to accommodate nucleobase bonding, preventing irreversible aggregation and thereby stabilizing the colloids. Our theoretical model indicates that oligonucleotide-mediated particle growth relies on the chemical reactivity of the oligonucleotide ligands that saturate dangling bonds of growing clusters, and favorable sequences are those that have the highest surface reactivity with growing particles. The oligonucleotide template approach is facile and versatile, offering a route to produce a range of material compositions for other chalcogenide semiconductor quantum dots and metal oxide nanoparticles.

Discipline(s)

Nanoscience and Nanotechnology

 

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