Multifunctional linker for orthogonal decoration of gold nanoparticles with DNA and protein

Abstract

A novel trifunctional linker was prepared to allow multiple orthogonal functionalization of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) with biomolecules. Thiooctic groups contained within the linker act as AuNP surface anchors, while two additional orthogonal functional groups are used for attachment of heme and DNA using amide and copper catalyzed Huisgen cycloaddition, respectively. We demonstrate that heme can act as a platform for reconstitution of a functional heme protein such as myoglobin. Using multifunctional linker, fully functional Au–DNA–Mb hybrids were obtained and such multifunctional constructs expand the synthetic toolbox for nanomaterial tailoring and design of biosensors and novel catalytic materials.