We report a novel approach for the quick synthesis of highly stable single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) functionalized gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). The method is based on the combined effect of low pH conditions and surface passivation by (1-mercaptoundec-11-yl)hexa(ethylene glycol) ie TOEG6, does not require any salt nor high excess of ssDNA, and can be generalized for oligonucleotides of any length or base sequence. The synthesized ssDNA-coated AuNPs are stable at salt concentrations as high as 1.0 M and also functional and specific towards DNA-DNA hybridization, as shown from UV-vis spectrophotometric, Scanning Electron Microscope, Gel Electrophoresis, Fluorescence and Small Angle X-ray Scattering based analyses. The presented method is highly flexible and holds the potential of modulating the total number of ssDNA per AuNP thereby addressing multiple pertinent issues related to the functionalization of DNA on AuNPs.

Surface passivation and acidic conditions allow for the rapid synthesis of DNA-conjugated gold nanoparticles with high salt stability and DNA-binding specificity

249th National Meeting (2015)

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