Site-Specific Metallization of Multiple Metals on a Single DNA Origami Template

Abstract

This work examines the selective deposition of two different metals on a single DNA origami template that was designed and assembled to direct the deposition. As a result, we were able to direct copper and gold to predesignated locations on the template, as verified by both compositional and morphological data, to form a heterogeneous Cu-Au junction. Seeding and deposition were performed in sequential steps. An enabling aspect of this work was the use of an organic layer or "chemical mask" to prevent unwanted deposition during the deposition of the second metal. In light of recent efforts in the field, the ability to localize components of different composition and structure to specific sections of a DNA template represents an important step forward in the fabrication of nanostructures based on DNA templates.