Researchers from the University of Illinois have discovered that the shape of gold nanoparticles, widely used in medicine and electronics, can be controlled by the sequence of amino acids in DNA strands attached to a gold core. Their groundbreaking findings, published in Angewandte Chemie, demonstrate how DNA can influence the crystal structure of metals during synthesis, creating nanoparticles in various shapes, such as circles, stars, or hexagons.

DNA as a Nanoparticle Architect

Traditionally known for encoding proteins, DNA can also guide the formation of metal nanoparticles. Yi Lu, the study’s lead researcher, explained that this DNA-encoded synthesis could pave the way for creating nanoparticles with specific shapes and properties. Such advancements have applications in biotechnology, catalysis, imaging, sensing, and medicine, where shape and size are crucial for functionality.

Gold nanoparticles, renowned for their unique physical and chemical properties, are used in diverse fields, including biology and materials science. The ability to control their shape is critical, as it directly affects their behavior and performance.

The Process: Growing Gold with DNA

The researchers started with tiny gold particles, “pre-seeded” them with short DNA sequences, and then immersed them in a gold salt solution. Depending on the DNA sequence, the particles grew into different shapes. For example:

  • Repeated adenine (A) sequences produced irregular, round shapes.
  • Thymine (T) sequences resulted in star-shaped particles.
  • Cytosine (C) formed round, flat discs.
  • Guanine (G) created hexagons.

When combining sequences, such as 10 thymine followed by 20 adenine, hybrid shapes emerged, with characteristics dominated by the adenine’s influence. The findings suggest that the four DNA bases (A, T, C, G) each uniquely direct nanoparticle growth.

Implications for Science and Technology

Gold nanoparticles are already making waves in medicine. They can absorb and convert infrared light into heat, enabling applications like destroying cancer cells via photothermal therapy. These particles can also bind to antibodies or antigens, making them valuable for detecting toxins, allergens, or microbes in blood or saliva.

In electronics, gold nanoparticles are crucial for developing smaller, more efficient circuits, such as those in integrated chips below 10 nanometers. DNA-linked nanoparticles may play a role in creating nano-circuits or sensors in the future.

Catalytic applications are also advancing. Gold nanoparticles enhance sensors, such as carbon monoxide detectors, and aid in neutralizing toxic gases like nitrogen oxides and methane. These properties have even inspired deodorizing technologies in Japan.

The Golden Promise

This discovery adds a new layer to the “gold rush” in nanotechnology, offering practical applications for cancer treatment, pollution control, and miniaturized electronics. By understanding how DNA guides the growth of nanoparticles, scientists hope to fine-tune the process further, opening doors to innovative designs and functionalities.

For more insights, check out the original study summarized on ScienceDaily.

Source: Origo

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