Structural Consequences of and Mechanistic Insights into the DNA- and  Field-Directed Crystallization of Iron Oxide Nanoparticles.

Urbach, Zachary James

doi:https://doi.org/10.21985/n2-nve1-1s64

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Structural Consequences of and Mechanistic Insights into the DNA- and Field-Directed Crystallization of Iron Oxide Nanoparticles.

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This dissertation seeks to explore how physical forces, notably through the use of magnetic nanoparticles and applied fields, can influence the structural outcomes of colloidal crystals engineered with DNA. Chapter 1 describes how both DNA and magnetic fields can direct the assembly of nanoparticles into periodic and sometimes crystalline materials. Moreover, it considers the promise of combining them both into a single system. Chapter 2 describes a polymer functionalization strategy for synthesizing iron oxide particles modified with DNA that can be used in colloidal crystal engineering strategies. Chapter 3 investigates, through experiment and theory, how magnetic fields and DNA hybridization interactions can be combined to form high aspect ratio superlattice crystals. Chapter 4 explores the mechanism of assembly through in-situ X-ray scattering and confocal microscopy techniques by tuning both applied field and temperature cooling rates to control assembly outcomes. Chapter 5 explores how an anisotropic iron oxide core can influence orientation both at the unit cell and overall superlattice scale when a field is applied during crystal growth. Chapter 6 summarizes the work and briefly speaks to the future directions that are being pursued, which include changing field dynamics and investigating symmetry-dependent magnetic alignment. Overall, this work lays the groundwork for combining both physical and chemical forces to influence and guide colloidal crystal growth, thereby expanding the scope of structures that can be realized through colloidal crystal engineering with DNA strategies.

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