Gold-silver and silver-silver nanoparticle constructs based on DNA hybridization of thiol- and amino-functionalized oligonucleotides.

Metal nanoparticle constructs of particles of different sizes and materials were prepared, using DNA as connecting element. Therefore, gold and silver nanoparticles were functionalized with complementary DNA sequences that enabled a controlled coupling. The well-established system based on thiolated DNA was thereby complemented with amino-functionalized DNA. The realization of specific DNA-DNA bonds due to hybridization was controlled by the ionic strength. The results demonstrate the potential of the combination of different particle sizes, composition as well as coupling chemistry in order to realize controlled conjugates of nanoparticles.