Study of the thermal behavior and the temperature close to gold nanoparticles on DNA Origami by lanthanide ion spectroscopy

• Grant number: 21/13634-4
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research
• Start date: August 01, 2022
• End date: July 31, 2023
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry - Inorganic Chemistry
• Principal Investigator: José Maurício Almeida Caiut
• Grantee: José Maurício Almeida Caiut
• Host Investigator: Ilko Bald
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto (FFCLRP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: University of Potsdam, Germany

Abstract

This research abroad project aims at the development of a new strategy to determine the temperature close to gold nanoparticles on DNA Origami structures, because the excited localized surface plasmons amplify the electromagnetic field in their proximity and finally lead to a rise of the temperature of the nanoparticles and their surroundings. Dimers of nanoparticles create spots of very high field intensity. The determination of the local temperature close these particles on DNA origami is mandatory, and is barely possible with other methods. Considering the remarkably broad field of applications of DNA origami, as nanofabrication, catalysis, molecular machines, drug delivery, bioimaging, bioanalysis of single molecules and nanophotonics, this project is at cutting-edge knowledge, because the thermometry of DNA origami-assembled nanoparticle aggregates is one of the challenges that this technology needs to overcome to reach its full potential. Specifically, in this project we will combine the remarkable properties of DNA origami with the multifunctionality of lanthanide ions to develop new photonic systems with a local thermal sensor at the nanoscale. Due to its novelty, many challenges are expected. To overcome the difficulties, a synergetic effort between our group at University of São Paulo (Brazil) and a distinguished group of researchers from Germany, at University of Potsdam will be created, on lanthanide spectroscopy and DNA origami studies, respectively. Therefore, it will be an excellent opportunity to be part of a distinguished international team in the forefront of science and help developing such new bioanalytical systems. (AU)