Electrostatically entrapped DNA molecules in lipid thin films as templates for the in situ growth of silver nanoparticles

The electrostatic entrapment of double-helical DNA molecules in thermally evaporated fatty amine films and their use as templates for the growth of Ag nanoparticles by an ion exchange/reduction process has been described. Entrapment of the DNA molecules in the amine matrix leads to charge overcompensation and the possibility of binding metal cations such as Ag⁺ to the surface of the immobilized DNA molecules. In situ reduction of the Ag⁺ ions leads to the formation of silver nanoparticles on the surface of the DNA templating molecules in a close-packed structure within the lipid matrix.