DNA-gold nanorod conjugates for remote control of localized gene expression by near infrared irradiation

Chia Chun Chen*, Yen Ping Lin, Chih Wei Wang, Hsiao Chien Tzeng, Chia Hsuan Wu, Yi Cheng Chen, Chin Pei Chen, Li Chyong Chen, Yi Chun Wu

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

420 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Gold nanorods were attached to the gene of enhanced green fluorescence protein (EGFP) for the remote control of gene expression in living cells. The UV-vis spectroscopy, electrophoresis, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to study the optical and structural properties of the EGFP DNA and gold nanorod (EGFP-GNR) conjugates before and after femto-second near-infrared (NIR) laser irradiation. Upon NIR irradiation, the gold nanorods of EGFP-GNR conjugates underwent shape transformation that resulted in the release of EGFP DNA. When EGFP-GNR conjugates were delivered to cultured HeLa cells, induced GFP expression was specifically observed in cells that were locally exposed to NIR irradiation. Our results demonstrate the feasibility of using gold nanorods and NIR irradiation as means of remote control of gene expression in specific cells. This approach has potential applications in biological and medical studies.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)3709-3715
Number of pages7
JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society
Volume128
Issue number11
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2006 Mar 22

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Catalysis
  • General Chemistry
  • Biochemistry
  • Colloid and Surface Chemistry

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