Fabrication of metal nanowires based on self assembly of tryptophan-capped gold nanoparticle onto DNA network template

In this study, synthesis of conductive metal nanowires by using aligned and immobilised DNA strand on solid substrate is reported. The nanoporous gold film was prepared by electrostatic self assembly of gold nanoparticles capped with tryptophan. Tryptophan would improve surface properties of gold nanoparticles for strongly attaching to DNA. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy confirmed that gold nanoparticles have been capped by tryptophan. Also measured zeta potential shows that there are positive charges on the surface of gold nanoparticles. Investigations by AFM observation substantially confirm that tryptophan-capped gold nanoparticles can be bonded to DNA template electrostatically.