Abstract
In this study, DNA block copolymer (DBC) micelles with a polystyrene (PS) core and a single-stranded (ss) DNA shell were doped with ferrocene (Fc) molecules. Tapping mode atomic force microscopy (AFM) was used to study the morphology of the doped and undoped block copolymer aggregates. We show that introducing Fc molecules into the hydrophobic core does not affect the structural properties such as shape or size. In contrast, doping with Fc significantly changes the micelles' electrical properties, namely their polarizability. Electrostatic force microscopy (EFM) measurements reveal that the undoped micelles show no significant polarization signal, while the Fc-doped aggregates exhibit strongly enhanced polarizability. Furthermore, the nucleic acid moieties were utilized in combination with complementary ssDNA strands to assemble single particles into linear arrays of DBC nanoobjects. The ability to tune the electrostatic properties of the polymer core and the presence of nucleic acids might open the way for using these bioorganic nanoparticles as building blocks for nanoelectronic or biosensing devices.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.