Synthesis of Ag2S-Ag Nanoprisms and Their Use as DNA Hybridization Probes

A simple synthetic route to prepare Ag2S-Ag nanoprisms consists of the facile addition of Na2S to a solution of triangular Ag nanoprisms. The resulting Ag2S-Ag nanoparticles are more stable in solution than the original Ag nanoprisms, and two surface plasmon resonance (SPR) bands of the original Ag nanoprisms still remain. In addition, the SPR bands of the Ag2S-Ag nanoprisms are tunable over a wide range. The Ag2S-Ag nanoprisms can be directly bioconjugated via well-established stable Ag2S surface chemistry with readily available sulfur coupling agents. The nanoprisms are used in the hybridization of functionalized oligonucleotides, and show promise as probes for future biosensing applications.