Using silver nanowire antennas to enhance the conversion efficiency of photoresponsive DNA nanomotors.

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A

Department of Chemistry and Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, Shands Cancer Center and UF Genetics Institute, Center for Research at the Bio/Nano Interface, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611-7200, USA.

Published: June 2011

AI Article Synopsis

  • Plasmonic near-field coupling with metal nanoparticles, especially silver, enhances photoresponsive processes like DNA nanomotor efficiency by increasing light absorption.
  • Advances in nanostructured metal synthesis and theoretical modeling have made it possible to boost the performance of organic dyes and quantum dots, impacting solar cell materials significantly.
  • The study shows that the interaction between silver nanostructures and azobenzene in DNA motors achieved an 85% conversion efficiency, opening up possibilities for innovative molecular nanodevices in light manipulation and solar energy harvesting.

Article Abstract

Plasmonic near-field coupling can induce the enhancement of photoresponsive processes by metal nanoparticles. Advances in nanostructured metal synthesis and theoretical modeling have kept surface plasmons in the spotlight. Previous efforts have resulted in significant intensity enhancement of organic dyes and quantum dots and increased absorption efficiency of optical materials used in solar cells. Here, we report that silver nanostructures can enhance the conversion efficiency of an interesting type of photosensitive DNA nanomotor through coupling with incorporated azobenzene moieties. Spectral overlap between the azobenzene absorption band and plasmonic resonances of silver nanowires increases light absorption of photon-sensitive DNA motor molecules, leading to 85% close-open conversion efficiency. The experimental results are consistent with our theoretical calculations of the electric field distribution. This enhanced conversion of DNA nanomotors holds promise for the development of new types of molecular nanodevices for light manipulative processes and solar energy harvesting.

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Source
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3111264PMC
http://dx.doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1018358108DOI Listing

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