A parallel approach for subwavelength molecular surgery using gene-specific positioned metal nanoparticles as laser light antennas

Nano Lett. 2007 Feb;7(2):247-53. doi: 10.1021/nl061966x. Epub 2007 Jan 24.

Abstract

An optical technique for the parallel manipulation of nanoscale structures with molecular resolution is presented. Bioconjugated metal nanoparticles are thereby positioned at the location of interest, such as, e.g., certain DNA sequences along metaphase chromosomes, prior to pulsed laser light irradiation of the whole sample. The nanoparticles are designed to absorb the introduced energy highly efficiently, in that way acting as nanoantenna. As result of the interaction, structural changes of the sample with subwavelength dimensions and nanoscale precision are observed at the location of the particles. The process leading to the nanolocalized destruction is caused by particle ablation as well as thermal damage of the surrounding material.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Chromosomes / genetics
  • Chromosomes / radiation effects
  • Chromosomes / ultrastructure
  • DNA / genetics*
  • DNA / radiation effects*
  • Humans
  • In Vitro Techniques
  • Lasers*
  • Metals
  • Microscopy, Atomic Force
  • Nanoparticles
  • Nanotechnology / methods*
  • Optics and Photonics
  • Surface Plasmon Resonance

Substances

  • Metals
  • DNA