Self-assembled DNA nanoarrays

We report a novel approach for generating DNA nanoarrays through self-assembly and immobilization of individual DNA-conjugated gold nanospheres within ordered arrays of surface nanopores generated from PS-b-PMMA diblock copolymer templates. Immobilization of no more than one DNA-nanosphere per surface nanopore is achieved through size matching between nanospheres and nanopores. DNA nanosphere deposition and stable immobilization is achieved through electrostatic interactions between the negatively charged DNA and the bottom surface of the nanopores, which has been selectively functionalized with positively charged amine-containing silanes. We intend to use these nanoarrays to direct the ordered secondary self-assembly of other nanoscopic DNA-functionalized entities, and to, rapidly and inexpensively generate DNA biosensors with nanoscale feature sizes.