Using DNA to Link Gold Nanoparticles, Polymers, and Molecules: A Theoretical Perspective

Abstract

This Perspective describes theoretical studies aimed at understanding the structural and thermal properties of materials in which DNA is used to link gold nanoparticles or polymers or organic molecules. Particularly in the case of gold nanoparticles, the materials derived from this structural motif have proven to be important for biological sensing and other applications; however, additional applications may arise as a result of recent advances in the preparation of crystalline materials based on DNA-linked particles. From a theory perspective, these are challenging materials to describe due to the large number of atoms and the polyelectrolyte character of DNA; however, there has been important progress recently using all-atom and coarse-grained molecular dynamics and with analytical theory. Among topics that we discuss are the structure and density of DNA when attached to gold particles and the size and melting properties of DNA-linked nanoparticles in different environments.