STM characterization of DNA immobilized via Zr ion glue onto gold thiol SAMs

In this paper layer-by-layer (LBL) assembly of calf thymus DNA (ct-DNA) onto gold-mercaptopropionic acid self-assembled monolayer via Zr(IV) ion glue, Au-MPA-Zr(IV)-ct-DNA SAM, is monitored by scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) technique. The STM images of Au-MPA-Zr(IV) template show well-organized arrays of rod-like peaks. ct-DNA has been immobilized on the Au-MPA-Zr(IV) surface in hilly forms, implying globular structure for the immobilized ct-DNA. This immobilization strategy offers a simple and fast method to prepare the Au-MPA-Zr(IV)-ct-DNA template with promising applications for immobilization and study of the other compounds.