Our previous work has demonstrated that carefully designed peptide-conjugate molecules can direct the synthesis and self-assembly of complex and well-ordered nanoparticle superstructures.  Here, we detail recent studies that probe the mechanism of the synthesis and assembly of gold nanoparticle double-helical structures using C12-PEPAu ([C11H23CO]-AYSSGAPPMPPF).  Specifically, we show that 1) it is critical that the peptide conjugates be well-dispersed (not assembled) at the outset of the reaction; 2) gold seed particles must be present at the outset of the reaction; and 3) gold particles and peptides assemble together in a simultaneous fashion.  The differences between our methodology and conventional template-based nanoparticle assembly methodologies will be highlighted, and the aspects of our methodology that allow one to design and prepare exquisitely complex and incredibly well-ordered nanoparticle superstructures will be discussed.

Mechanistic studies of the simultaneous synthesis and assembly of gold nanoparticle double helices

243rd National Meeting (2012)

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