Enzymatic Anisotropic Growth of Gold Nanoparticles Based on DNA Origami Templates.

Abstract

Anisotropic gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) exhibit unique physicochemical properties that render them highly valuable for diverse applications. However, precise control over their growth direction and number of branches is challenging with conventional synthesis methods. A DNA origami-templated enzymatic synthesis strategy addresses this limitation. By spatially programming the arrangement of glucose oxidase (GOx) and gold nanoparticle seeds, localized high-concentration microenvironments of gold atoms are engineered on the seed surface. This design ensures that the deposition rate (V_dep) of Au⁰ in targeted regions surpasses the diffusion rate (V_diff), directing the growth process via a "hit-and-stick" mechanism and enabling site-selective gold deposition. Systematic modulation of the relative positions of GOx and gold nanoparticle seeds enables controlled synthesis of anisotropic gold nanostructures with tunable growth angles and number of branches. This study not only provides a novel approach for the precision fabrication of anisotropic metallic nanomaterials but also highlights the unique advantages of DNA nanotechnology in advanced nanomanufacturing.