Number-controlled spatial arrangement of gold nanoparticles with DNA dendrimers

Abstract

In this study we described a controlled self-assembly of gold nanoparticles mediated by DNA dendrimers. Stepwise titration of three-arm Y-shaped DNA monomers through a divergent route can assemble different generations of DNA dendrimers with discrete DNA sticky ends on the surface. Hybridizing gold nanoparticles bearing one single-stranded DNA to different generations of DNA dendrimers thereby results in assembly of number-controlled discrete gold nanoparticle groupings. The conjugation strategy used herein provides a novel model for spatial positioning of functionalized nanoparticles and precise construction of multivalent nanomaterials.