(235c) Self-Assembly of Gold Nanoparticles Guided by a Repetitive DNA Template

In higher eukaryotic cells, a genomic DNA is folded into an organized structure, facilitated by a protein complex called a histone octamer. This compact folded structure precisely positions the histone octamer into a predefined three-dimensional array encoded by the DNA sequence context. By decorating a gold nanoparticle with the similar surface pattern as of a histone octamer, we examine the possibility of constructing an organized two-dimensional and three-dimensional metal nanoparticle array using a DNA template with repetitive sequences. Specifically, we will examine the effect of nanoparticle geometry, size, surface charge as well as specific peptide tethering on the structure of the as formed nanoparticle array and/or aggregate under various salt conditions. The results of this study will provide useful leads towards a generalized self-assembly scheme of metal nanoparticles. It will also shed light into the folding mechanism of the chromatin in eukaryotic cells.