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Journal of Undergraduate Research

Keywords

nanoelectronics, DNA origami templates, ssDNA, nanowires

College

Physical and Mathematical Sciences

Department

Chemistry and Biochemistry

Abstract

Introduction DNA origami is the method of folding a large single stranded DNA (ssDNA) with multiple smaller ssDNA “staple” strands into a predesigned shape, making it an attractive option in the bottom-up construction of nanoelectronic components, such as nanowires. These structures can be used as templates for placement of conductive species1, such as gold nanoparticles (Au NPs). In order to attach Au NPs to the structure, polyadenine (polyA) tails are added to ends of certain staple strands, allowing attachment of Au NP “seeds” that are functionalized with a thiolated polythymine (polyT) sequence. After attachment, the Au NP seeds are connected using an electroless plating process to form nanowires. The desired line width of these nanowires is ~5 nm. In the past, 5 nm gold nanospheres (Au NSs) have been used as seeds2, yet incomplete seeding led to gaps between the seeds and necessitated greater amounts of plating, thus increasing the line width of the nanowire. Two types of Au NPs were studied, 2 nm Au NSs, which theoretically should bind in higher densities leading to smaller gaps, as well as gold nanorods (Au NRs) with a diameter of 3 nm and a length of 10 nm.

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