Click catalysis and DNA conjugation using a nanoscale DNA/silver cluster pair.

DNA-bound silver clusters are most readily recognized by their strong fluorescence that spans the visible and near-infrared regions. From this suite of chromophores, we chose a green-emitting Ag bound to CACTCGT and describe how this DNA/cluster pair is also a catalyst. A DNA-tethered alkyne conjugates with an azide cycloaddition, an inherently slow reaction that is facilitated through the joint efforts of the cluster and DNA.

Breaching the Fortress: Photochemistry of DNA-Caged Ag.

A DNA strand can encapsulate a silver molecule to create a nanoscale, aqueous stable chromophore. A protected cluster that strongly fluoresces can also be weakly photolabile, and we describe the laser-driven photochemistry of the green fluorophore CACTCGT/Ag. The embedded cluster is selectively photoexcited at 490 nm and then bleached, and we describe how the efficiency, products, and route of this photochemical reaction are controlled by the DNA cage.