Organizing End-Site-Specific SWCNTs in Specific Loci Using DNA

Single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) are known to embody many desirable features for nanoelectronic and photonic applications, including excellent electronic and optical properties and mechanical robustness. To utilize these species in a bottom-up nanotechnological approach, it is necessary to be able to place them in precise absolute positions within a larger framework, without disturbing the conduction surface. Although it is well-known how to orient one or two nanotubes on a DNA origami, precise placement has eluded investigators previously. Here, we report a method of attaching a strand of DNA on the reactive end of a SWCNT, and then of using that DNA strand to place the nanotube at a specific site on a 2D DNA origami raft. We demonstrate that it is possible to place one or two nanotubes on such a DNA origami raft.