Electrostatically Directed Long‐Range Self‐Assembly of Nucleotides with Cationic Nanoparticles To Form Multifunctional Bioplasmonic Networks

Abstract

AbstractPrecise control over interparticle interactions is essential to retain the functions of individual components in a self‐assembled superstructure. Here, we report the design of a multifunctional bioplasmonic network via an electrostatically directed self‐assembly process involving adenosine 5′‐triphosphate (ATP). The present study unveils the ability of ATP to undergo a long‐range self‐assembly in the presence of cations and gold nanoparticles (AuNP). Modelling and NMR studies gave a qualitative insight into the major interactions driving the bioplasmonic network formation. ATP‐Ca2+ coordination helps in regulating the electrostatic interaction, which is crucial in transforming an uncontrolled precipitation into a kinetically controlled aggregation process. Remarkably, ATP and AuNP retained their inherent properties in the multifunctional bioplasmonic network. The generality of electrostatically directed self‐assembly process was extended to different nucleotide–nanoparticle systems.