Publications
Patterning quantum dot arrays using DNA replication principles
The convergence of nanoscience and biotechnology has opened the door to the integration of a wide range of biological molecules and processes with synthetic materials and devices. A primary biomolecule of interest has been DNA based upon its role as information storage in living systems, as well as its ability to withstand a wide range of environmental conditions. DNA also offers unique chemistries and interacts with a range of biomolecules, making it an ideal component in biological sensor applications. The primary goal of this project was to develop methods that utilize in vitro DNA synthesis to provide spatial localization of nanocrystal quantum dots (nQDs). To accomplish this goal, three specific technical objectives were addressed: (1) attachment of nQDs to DNA nucleotides, (2) demonstrating the synthesis of nQD-DNA strands in bulk solution, and (3) optimizing the ratio of unlabeled to nQD-labeled nucleotides. DNA nucleotides were successfully attached to nQDs using the biotin-streptavidin linkage. Synthesis of 450-nm long, nQD-coated DNA strands was demonstrated using a DNA template and the polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based method of DNA amplification. Modifications in the synthesis process and conditions were subsequently used to synthesize 2-{micro}m long linear nQD-DNA assemblies. In the case of the 2-{micro}m structures, both the ratio of streptavidin-coated nQDs to biotinylated dCTP, and streptavidin-coated nQD-dCTPs to unlabeled dCTPs affected the ability to synthesize the nQD-DNA assemblies. Overall, these proof-of-principles experiments demonstrated the successful synthesis of nQD-DNA using DNA templates and in vitro replication technologies. Continued development of this technology may enable rapid, spatial patterning of semiconductor nanoparticles with Angstrom-level resolution, as well as optically active probes for DNA and other biomolecular analyses.