Scanning force microscopy of DNA metallization

The nucleation and growth of platinum nanoparticles at single DNA molecules, leading to a template-directed formation of micrometre-long cluster chains, is investigated by scanning force microscopy (SFM). The cluster chains are synthesized by incubation of DNA with K2PtCl4 and subsequent chemical reduction of the platinum complexes. Scanning force microscopy is applied for observation of the different stages of cluster formation, because it provides the unique possibility to image DNA and metallic nanoparticles simultaneously. Finder grids were used to investigate exactly the same cluster chains with SFM and transmission electron microscopy, thus combining the advantages of both microscopic methods to study the process of DNA metallization. Copyright (C) 2002 John Wiley Sons, Ltd.