Work

Maximizing DNA Loading on a Range of Gold Nanoparticle Sizes

Year: 2006

Type: article

Abstract: We have investigated the variables that influence DNA coverage on gold nanoparticles. The effects of salt concentration, spacer composition, nanoparticle size, and degree of sonication have been evaluated. Maximum loading was obtained by salt aging the nanoparticles to approximately 0.7 M NaCl in the presence of DNA containing a poly(ethylene glycol) spacer. In addition, DNA loading was substantially increased by sonicating the nanoparticles during the surface loading process. Last, nanoparticles up to 250 nm in diameter were found have approximately 2 orders of magnitude higher DNA loading than smaller (13-30 nm) nanoparticles, a consequence of their larger surface area. Stable large particles are attractive for a variety of biodiagnostic assays.

Source: Analytical Chemistry

DOI: 10.1021/ac0613582

Authors: Sarah J. Hurst, Abigail K. R. Lytton-Jean, Chad A. Mirkin

Institutions: Northwestern University, International Institute for Nanotechnology

Language: English

Topic: Gold and Silver Nanoparticles Synthesis and Applications

Subfield: Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials

Field: Materials Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: green

Funder: National Institutes of Health

Award: G9000165630