Abstract
Molecular dynamics methods have been used to study a 2 nm gold nanoparticle that is functionalized with four single stranded DNAs at the atomistic level. The DNA strands, which are attached to the [111] faces of a 201 atom truncated octahedral gold particle with a -S(CH 2) 6- linker, are found to be perpendicular to the surface of the particle, with the alkane chain lying on the surface. There are no significant hydrogen bonding interactions between the adsorbed ss-DNAs during the simulation. Even though the expected radius would be 49 Å (3.4 Å per base) for a Watson-Crick DNA structure, the simulation with 0.5 M salt shows a radius of about 29 Å (2.2 Å per base), which is a result that is consistent with recent experimental reports. It is alsofound that the sodium concentration within 30 Å of the gold particle is about 20% higher than the bulk concentration. This is consistent with an observed increase in the melting temperature of DNA when many functionalized gold particles are hybridized together.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 2316-2321 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Journal of Physical Chemistry C |
Volume | 113 |
Issue number | 6 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Feb 12 2009 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
- Energy(all)
- Physical and Theoretical Chemistry
- Surfaces, Coatings and Films