Self-Assembly of Tryptophan-Capped Gold Nanoparticles onto DNA Network Template

Abstract

In this study, a simple route to the formation of DNA-gold complex has been reported, using immobilized DNA as a template. The nanoporous gold films have been prepared by the electrostatic self assembly of gold nanoparticles capped with tryptophan. Tryptophan would improve surface properties of gold nanoparticles for strongly attaching to DNA. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed that gold nanoparticles have been capped by tryptophan. Also measured zeta potential shows that there are positive charges on the surface of gold nanoparticles. Investigations by atomic force microscopy substantially confirm that tryptophan-capped gold nanoparticles can be bonded to DNA template electrostatically.