Dynamic Equilibria between DNA-Stabilized Silver Nanoclusters and Silver-Carrying DNA Strands
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide DNA-stabilized silver nanoclusters (DNA-AgNCs) are versatile emitters whose photophysical properties are defined by the DNA template. In this study, we explore the unusual temperature- and concentration-dependent behavior of two NIR-emissive DNA-AgNCs: one stabilized by two 16-base DNA oligomers (16mer), and another embedded within a 3-base shortened version of these strands (13mer). Using a combination of optical spectroscopy and mass spectrometry, we show that Ag + -carrying DNA strands can reversibly attach to DNA-AgNCs and fine-tune their photophysical properties. For 13mer-AgNC, we demonstrate the presence of three different species, (13mer) 2 -[Ag 20 ] 10+, (13mer) 3 -[Ag 27 ] 17+, and (13mer) 4 -[Ag 34 ] 24+, depending on concentration and temperature. For the AgNC stabilized by two 16-base DNA strands, (16mer) 2 -[Ag 20 ] 10+, emission wavelength and intensity vary with temperature, although no significant concentration-dependent spectral shifts are observed. While mass-spectrometry revealed the existence of (16mer) 3 -[Ag 27 ] 17+, time-resolved anisotropy uncovered the formation of aggregates of (16mer) 2 -[Ag 20 ] 10+ . These findings demonstrate the presence of dynamic equilibria between Ag + -carrying DNA strands and DNA-AgNCs.
Institutions: University of Copenhagen, University of Perugia
Language: English
Subfield: Materials Chemistry
Field: Materials Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $4,500
OpenAlex ID: W4415010878