Paper BI-ThP15
Where DNA and Plasmonics Meet- An Investigation into Cooperative Molecular Recognition at a DNA Nanostructure-Metal Interface

Thursday, October 23, 2008, 6:00 pm, Room Hall D

Recent work in assembly of complex DNA nanostructures has demonstrated the effectiveness with which the non-covalent forces of DNA hybridization can drive formation of a topologically rich set of engineered DNA nanostructures. These DNA nanostructures can be used as structural components within a variety of complex nanosystems, including integrated systems for molecular detection. With the advances in the design and solution phase assembly of novel addressable DNA nanostructures, there is a need for the development of new techniques for controlling deposition of the structures on surfaces. The objective of this research is to investigate thermodynamic and kinetic control of interactions between DNA nanostructures and oligonucleotide functionalized gold films. In this research, surface plasmon resonance (SPR) is used for real-time monitoring of the hybridization of DNA structures on oligonucleotide functionalized gold films. Kinetic and thermodynamic parameters derived from the SPR reflectivity data are used to evaluate the effect of multivalence on the strength of interaction. Kinetic measurements, such as the association and dissociation rates, are determined through the monitoring of the SPR response to hybridization as a function of concentration. Ultimately, understanding of the kinetic and thermodynamic parameters that characterize multivalent interactions between DNA nanostructures and gold films will enable engineering of interactions at soft/hard matter interfaces. It is anticipated that the new tools for integrating soft matter on patterned templates will prove useful in future applications of DNA nanostructures that require organization of the soft matter.