Publications Repository - Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf

Advances in DNA nanotechnology allow to design and fabricate highly complex DNA structures, which uses specific programmable interactions between smaller nucleic acid building blocks. To convey this concept to the fabrication of metallic nanoparticles, an assembly platform was developed based on a few basic DNA structures that can serve as molds. Programming specific interactions between these elements allowed the assembly of mold superstructures with a range of different geometries. Subsequent seeded growth of gold within the mold cavities enabled the synthesis of complex metal structures including tightly DNA-caged particles, rolling pin- and dumbbell-shaped particles as well as T-shaped and loop particles with high continuity. The method further supports the formation of higher-order assemblies of the obtained metal geometries. Based on electrical and optical characterizations, we expect that the developed platform is a valuable tool for a self-assembly-based fabrication of nanoelectronic and nanooptic devices.