Covalent and Non‐Covalent DNA–Gold‐Nanoparticle Interactions: New Avenues of Research

Abstract

The interactions of DNA, whether long, hundred base pair chains or short-chained oligonucleotides, with ligands play a key role in the field of structural biology. Its biological activity not only depends on the thermodynamic properties of DNA-ligand complexes, but can and often is conditioned by the formation kinetics of those complexes. On the other hand, gold nanoparticles have long been known to present excellent biocompatibility with biomolecules and are themselves remarkable for their structural, electronic, magnetic, optical and catalytic properties, radically different from those of their counterpart bulk materials, and which make them an important asset in multiple applications. Therefore, thermodynamic and kinetic studies of the interactions of DNA with nanoparticles acting as small ligands are key for a better understanding of those interactions to allow for their control and modulation and for the opening of new venues of research in nanomedicine, analytic and biologic fields. The interactions of gold nanoparticles with both DNA polymers and their smaller subunits; special focus is placed on those interactions taking place with nonfunctionalized gold nanoparticles are reviewed in the present work.

Exploring Factors for the Design of Nanoparticles as Drug Delivery Vectors

“…Other metallic NPs functionalization methods take place after an incubation period and through electrostatic interactions, making use of the cationic surface of some NPs and the anionic character of the target biomolecule, for example siRNA or DNA ,. Another possible strategy is to employ thiolated siRNA fragments that favor adsorption onto the noble metal's surface .…”

Self‐Assembly of Nucleobase, Nucleoside and Nucleotide Coordination Polymers: From Synthesis to Applications

“…Gold is a soft metal and it can exist in the 0 (metallic gold), +1 and +3 oxidation states under ambient conditions. Adsorption of nucleobases and DNA on metallic gold surfaces has been extensively studied . Here, the focus is on nucleobases and their derivatives mixed with gold ions.…”

“…Adsorption of nucleobases and DNA on metallic gold surfaces has been extensively studied. [39][40][41][42][43][44] Here, the focus is on nucleobasesa nd their derivatives mixed with gold ions. Using adenine and its derivatives as al igand for gold ions has been carriedo ut since the 1970s.…”

The Controversial Orientation of Adenine on Gold and Silver

“…This Minireview discusses the many (and often contradictory) studies examining the adsorption orientation of adenine on gold and silver nanoparticles and electrodes, as well as computational studies. Otherwise high‐quality reviews discussing the adsorption of DNA and its components on metal nanoparticles have not adequately examined the conflicting conclusions for adenine adsorption, although it has received some attention . Herein, papers are presented somewhat chronologically to explore the development of the field, but are also largely grouped by methodology.…”