Rapid metallization of lambda DNA and DNA origami using a Pd seeding method

Abstract

This work focuses on metallization of lambda DNA and DNA origami on surfaces, as a step toward application in nanocircuit fabrication. We have succeeded in forming continuous Pd and Au nanowires using lambda DNA, and branched Au nanostructures using DNA origami. The approach we describe here is simple and efficient compared with prior work, enabling the rapid creation of small-size nanowires or nanostructures. The average diameter of Pd nanowires formed is ∼28 nm, while the length of branched Au nanostructures is between 200–250 nm, with ∼40 nm diameters. These results demonstrate improved procedures for using DNA molecules as templates to form metal nanostructures, with strong potential to be used in bottom-up nanoelectronic circuit fabrication.