Gold Nanoparticle-DNA Conjugates: An Enzymatic DNA Synthesis Platform

Leveraging the well-established properties of gold nanoparticle (AuNP)-DNA conjugates, this research explored a novel methodology for controlled enzymatic DNA synthesis using gold nanoparticle (AuNP)-DNA conjugates as a solid platform. To this end, Hybrid Nanoparticles (HNPs) were meticulously engineered through the functionalization of AuNPs with rationally designed DNA initiator molecules. These initiator molecules, strategically attached to the AuNP surface, served as a physical support and starting point for DNA extension by the Terminal Deoxynucleotidyl Transferase (TdT) enzyme. The results confirmed the synthesis of homopolymeric DNA extensions on these HNPs (58.27 nm, PDI < 0.2), demonstrating the viability of HNPs as a platform for enzymatic DNA elongation. Although the growing demand for data storage suggests a potential application, this research established the foundational feasibility of enzymatic DNA synthesis on HNPs. While high-density DNA data storage requires extensive development, the demonstrated enzymatic synthesis on AuNP-DNA conjugates warrants significant further exploration for future applications in biotechnology and nanotechnology.