Characterization of DNA-Templated Metal Nanowires DNA molecules as templates for ultrathin metallic nanowires

Suspended molecules of DNA are used as substrates for deposition of various metals by DC sputtering. The result is the formation of metallic nanowires, most with diameters of 10-50 nm. Homogeneous wires have been observed when a proper metal is chosen. For the first time, these DNA-templated nanowires are fabricated on substrates conducive to transmission electron microscopy. TEM and SEM analyses suggest that the nanowires are most likely formed on parallel bundles of DNA molecules(?). An examination of the length versus width of the nanowires suggests that fabrication of nanowires with diameters < 5 nm is only possible if suspended over gaps ~50-100 nm wide.