DNA-Based Gold Nanoparticle Assemblies: From Structure Constructions to Sensing Applications

Abstract

Gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) have become one of the building blocks for superior assembly and device fabrication due to the intrinsic, tunable physical properties of nanoparticles. With the development of DNA nanotechnology, gold nanoparticles are organized in a highly precise and controllable way under the mediation of DNA, achieving programmability and specificity unmatched by other ligands. The successful construction of abundant gold nanoparticle assembly structures has also given rise to the fabrication of a wide range of sensors, which has greatly contributed to the development of the sensing field. In this review, we focus on the progress in the DNA-mediated assembly of Au NPs and their application in sensing in the past five years. Firstly, we highlight the strategies used for the orderly organization of Au NPs with DNA. Then, we describe the DNA-based assembly of Au NPs for sensing applications and representative research therein. Finally, we summarize the advantages of DNA nanotechnology in assembling complex Au NPs and outline the challenges and limitations in constructing complex gold nanoparticle assembly structures with tailored functionalities.

Harnessing the power of thermosensitive liposomes with gold nanoprisms and silica for controlled drug delivery in combined chemotherapy and phototherapy

“…Among all these materials, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) stand out for their excellent biocompatibility, inert nature, minimal toxicity, strong light scattering and/or absorbance, ease of synthesis, and functionalizable surface, which have made them potential candidates for their use in biomedicine applications, including bioimaging, sensing, and therapeutics. [6][7][8][9][10] Among all their properties, it is worth mentioning their unique optical properties caused by their strong interaction with light. The conduction electrons on the metal surface on the nanoparticles undergo a collective oscillation when they are excited by light at specic wavelengths.…”