A Simple Entropic-Driving Separation Procedure of Low-Size Silver Clusters, Through Interaction with DNA

Synthesis and purification of metal clusters without strong binding agents by wet chemical methods are very attractive for their potential applications in many research areas. However, especially challenging is the separation of uncharged clusters with only a few number of atoms, which renders the usual techniques very difficult to apply. Herein, we report the first efficient separation of Ag-2 and Ag-3 clusters using the different entropic driving forces when such clusters interact with DNA, into which Ag-3 selectively intercalates. After sequential dialysis of the samples and denaturalizing the DNA-Ag-3 complex, pure Ag-2 can be found in the dialysate after extensive dialysis. Free Ag-3 is recovered after DNA denaturation.

Automated summary

Efficient separation of Ag-2 and Ag-3 clusters can be achieved by utilizing different entropic driving forces during their interaction with DNA. Pure Ag-2 can be found in the dialysate after sequential dialysis and denaturation of the DNA-Ag-3 complex, while free Ag-3 can be recovered after DNA denaturation.