Metallized DNA nanotemplates for the fabrication of ZnO nanostructures for optoelectronic applications

Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)-based nanostructures have drawn a major attention in nanotechnology. In this study, aligned metallized-DNA strands are used as templates to fabricate ZnO nanowires and other nanostructures via chemical vapor deposition (CVD). Metal nanoparticles with positive charge along with lambda-deoxyribonucleic acid (lambda-DNA) strands are utilized in synthesizing the nanotemplates. First, lambda-DNA strands are immobilized and aligned in parallel arrays over silicon substrate via meniscus motion by controlled evaporation. Then, positively charged gold nanoparticles are selectively bound along the lambda-DNA strands by electrostatic adsorption. Modulation of the zinc vapor/oxygen gas concentration in the CVD system is achieved via a spatial variation of the sample location inside the reactor tube. Characterization by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Photoluminescence spectrometer (PL), and conductivity measurements reveal that ZnO nanostructures possessing different morphologies, optical and electrical properties are obtained at different locations. Our studies form a step towards realistic applications of metallized oligonucleotide nanowires, and provide additional knowledge to fabricate tailored ZnO nanostructures for specific optoelectronic device applications.