Eur. Phys. J. D 43, 299-302 (2007)
https://doi.org/10.1140/epjd/e2007-00108-7

Anisotropically DNA-functionalized nanoparticle dimers

Department of Engineering Physics and Mathematics, Mid Sweden University, 851 70 Sundsvall, Sweden

Corresponding author: ^a hakan.olin@miun.se

Received: 27 July 2006
Revised: 20 September 2006
Published online: 24 May 2007

Abstract

Self-assembly of complex, non-periodic nanostructures can only be achieved by using anisotropic building-blocks. The building blocks need to have at least four bonds pointing in separate directions [J. Comput. Theor. Nanosci. 3, 391 (2006)]. We have previously presented a method for the synthesis of such building-blocks using DNA-functionalized gold nanoparticles. Here, we report on the progress in the experimental realization of this scheme. The first goal, in a process to make programmable self-assembly building-blocks using nanoparticles, is the production of dimers with different DNA-functions on the two component particles. We report on the fabrication of anisotropically functionalized dimers of nanoparticles of two different sizes. As a result of their anisotropy, these demonstrator building blocks can be made to assemble into spherical structures.