DNA architectures for templated material growth

Abstract

A methodology that allows for the coupling of biology and electronic materials is presented, where double stranded DNA serves as a template for electronic material growth. Self-assembled DNA structures allow for a variety of patterns to be achieved on the nanometer size scale. These DNA architectures allow for feature sizes that are difficult to achieve using conventional patterning techniques. Herein, the procedures for the creation of self-assembled DNA nanostructures in aqueous and non-aqueous media are described, and these structures are subsequently deposited onto substrates of interest. DNA self assembly under non-aqueous conditions has yet to be presented in literature, and is necessary if unwanted oxidation of certain electronic substrates is to be avoided. Solubilization of the DNA in non-aqueous solvents is achieved by replacing charge stabilizing salts with surfactants. Retention of DNA hierarchical structure under both conditions will be presented by observing the structures using AFM imaging and circular dichroism spectroscopic studies.