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.

Keywords: DNA; gold nanoparticle; plasmonic coupling; self-assembly; silver ion.