Rui Hong

DNA-binding by Functionalized Gold Nanoparticles: Mechanism and Structural Requirements

A family of nanoparticles featuring surfaces of varying hydrophobicity was synthesized. The efficiency of DNA‐binding was determined, demonstrating in a fivefold modulation in binding a 37‐mer DNA strand. Nanoparticle‐binding causes a reversible conformational change in the DNA structure, as demonstrated by circular dichroism and fluorescence experiments. Furthermore, the affinity of the nanoparticle for the DNA can be regulated by external agents, though stability of the complex is observed at relatively high ionic strengths.

In situ observation of place exchange reactions of gold nanoparticles. Correlation of monolayer structure and stability

Place exchange reactions were studied using dye displacement: subtle changes in ligand structure greatly affected both the rate of displacement and the stability of the monolayer.

Stabilization of α-chymotrypsin at air–water interface through surface binding to gold nanoparticle scaffolds

Gold nanoparticles stabilize chymotrypsin (ChT) against denaturation at the air-water interface through catenation and preferential localization of the nanoparticles at the air-water interface with concomitant decrease in interfacial energy.