SUPRACRYST · Self-Assembly of DNA-Functionalized Nanoparticles: a viable approach towards Supramolecular Crystals

Self-Assembly of DNA-Functionalized Nanoparticles: a viable approach towards Supramolecular Crystals

Project context and objectives The main focus of SUPRACRYST was the development of methods and techniques to obtain and exploit nanostructures made of DNA-functionalised inorganic nanoparticles. The possibility to prepare nanoparticles with a well-controlled composition, size and shape represents a powerful tool for the construction of nanostructured ensembles. In particular, the functionalisation of their surface with supramolecular functions offers a viable method to use nanoparticles as smart building blocks, eventually able to self-assemble into predictable supramolecular crystals. Project results Different kinds of nanoparticles have been prepared and investigated within the project, ranging from nanoparticles made entirely of noble metals, such as gold nanospheres and silver nanoprisms, to core-shell structures. In particular, by using different nanoparticles it was possible to fully explore the potentials of the concept developed within the project, as well as the technological applications. For instance, gold/silica nanoshells were tested together with gold nanospheres and silver nanoprisms for their possible use as signal enhancers in surface plasmon resonance imaging. In fact, thanks to the functionalisation of the surface of the nanostructures with DNA sequences, hybridisation assays were performed directly on the surface of a gold biochip. Results have shown that supramolecular interactions could be exploited to prepare bi-dimensional highly ordered patterns, highlighting the role of the optical properties of the nanoparticles in the enhancement of the plasmon resonance signal. Project results have also shown that the concept could be further extended by introducing magnetic nanoparticles. Core-shell structures made of magnetic nanoparticles coated by a nano-sized shell of gold were functionalised with a DNA single strand (ssDNA). Thanks to the introduction of a specific DNA single strand, indicated as the staple ssDNA, the formation of a cluster made of DNA and nanoparticles could be induced. The disassembly of the cluster is then triggered by the application of an alternating magnetic field, which locally increases the temperature of the assembly through hyperthermic effects and local friction phenomena, resulting in the on-demand release of the staple DNA fragment. The results of this project could be relevant to a large number of applications, especially in the field of biotechnology. In particular, they are expected to contribute to growth in the fields of gene therapy, targeted drug delivery and biosensors, in which Europe already plays a leading role.

Текст от CORDIS, на английски · Данни: CORDIS, © Европейски съюз