Silver cluster emitters caged in DNA constructs

University Of California-Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara CA

Investigators

Abstract

The Analytical and Surface Chemistry (ASC) program of the Division of Chemistry will support the collaborative research program of Prof. Elisabeth Gwinn and Prof. Deborah Fygenson of the University of California, Santa Barbara. Profs. Gwinn and Fygenson and their students will study clusters composed of just a few silver atoms that are stabilized within artificial, nanometer-scale DNA cages. The goal of these studies is to use the exquisite structural control provided by self-assembly of designed DNA strands to create tiny photon emitters with cage-selected optical and chemical properties. Optical characterization at the single molecule level, together with solution fluorescence, mass spectroscopy, electrophoresis, and modeling will contribute to a fundamental understanding of these fluorescent silver cluster-DNA molecules, which are poised for impact on technology through future use in DNA-templated nanodevices and in probing the structure of DNA constructs at scales below the resolution of existing microscopies. The graduate and undergraduate students involved in this interdisciplinary research project will be trained in a complementary suite of advanced techniques that encompasses optics, chemistry, nanotechnology, and biotechnology. The students will also be involved in Family Science Nights at local public schools where they will use fun hands-on activities that tie to their research to inspire K-12 students' interest in science.