Plasmonic staining of DNA molecules with photo-induced Ag nanoparticles monitored using dark-field microscopy

We demonstrate a dark-field microscopic technique for real-time monitoring of DNA metallization. The growth of silver nanoparticles on DNA molecules was observed using plasmon resonance light scattering in the presence of a weak catalyst triggering photo-reduction of Ag+. This simple strategy could facilitate the controlled fabrication of DNA-templated nanoelectronic devices.