| 초록 |
The self-assembly of nanoparticles into three-dimensional structures can potentially exploit the synergetic properties of the nanoscale elements, which can be attractive in various fields, including metamaterials, nanophotonics and biotechnology. Various molecular linkers have been used to mediate the assemblies of nanoparticles, but interparticle distance control was limited to nanometer scales. Alternatively, DNA can precisely organize nanoscale elements to angstrom scales. Furthermore, DNA is of particular interest because of its inherent programmability that enables the design and fabrication of complex structures. In this work, we functionalize quantum dots (QDs) with DNA by employing a ligand exchange process. Mercaptocarboxylic acids were used to initially passivate the surface of QDs dispersed in organic solvents to solubilize the QDs in aqueous solutions. Alkylthiol-capped oligonucleotides were subsequently used to functionalize the QDs through the replacement with mercaptocarboxylic acids. Gel electrophoresis confirmed the successful functionalization of QDs. DNA-functionalized dyes were also used to form hybridization with the DNA-functionalized QDs, enabling to study short- and long-range interactions between dyes and QDs in solution. This DNA-functionalized QD can, in the future, be used to construct an efficient light harvesting system for solar energy conversion. This research was supported by Nano·Material Technology Development Program through the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) funded by Ministry of Science, ICT and Future Planning (MSIP) (2012M3A7B4049802). |
