(165d) Controlled Assembly of Multi-Component Nanowires by DNA Hybridization

One-dimensional (1-D) nanostructures such as nanowires (NWs) and nanorods, because of their unique electronic and optical properties and the available synthesis methods for controlled shapes and sizes, provide exciting building blocks for nanoscale electronic devices and sensors. Successful implementation of these nanostructured materials into functional nanodevices requires the ability to spatially control and address these nanomaterials into a defined pattern. Biological assembly of nanomaterials into functional devices is an attractive method because of the highly specific nature offered by biomolecules such as proteins and DNA. Conjugation of biomolecules onto nanomaterials can be used to tether the growth of extended nano-networks in a spatially controlled manner. In this research, we demonstrate a facile way to assemble nanostructures on pre-fabricated electrodes in spatially controlled manner using DNA hybridization. This assembling technique was demonstrated by assembling single-stranded DNA functionalized segmented nanowires (e.g. gold/palladium/gold, gold/conducting polymer/gold) on specific gold electrodes using selective hybridization with their complementary DNA on gold electrode. Hydrogen and ammonia sensing using these devices were also demonstrated.