Electrochemical Synthesis of M:DNA Nanohybrids

Metal - DNA (M:DNA) nanohybrids have shown promise as functional nanomaterials in several practical applications. In this paper, electrochemical synthesis of metal - DNA nanohybrids is explored. First, metal ions (M(n+)) are attached to the sugar - phosphate backbone of calf thymus DNA. The metal - ion doped DNA (M(n+):DNA) is then deposited on a substrate by layer-by-layer deposition, drop casting or electrostatic deposition. This is followed by electrochemical reduction of the metal ion to form M: DNA. Ag(+):DNA/Ag: DNA is chosen as a model system to perform in-depth study. Future directions for this work are also provided. (C) 2011 The Electrochemical Society. [DOI: 10.1149/1.3559474] All rights reserved.