Fast-track synthesis of DNA-functionalized gold nanoparticles for biosensing applications

DNA-functionalized nanomaterials represent the cutting edge of the convergence between nanoscience and life sciences. The gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), with their versatile attributes, serve as multifunctional carriers in complex environments, supporting diverse physiological activities of DNA. Concurrently, DNA enhances the target specificity and stability of nanomaterials, significantly improving or fine-tuning their performance. This review explores key aspects of DNA-functionalized AuNPs, including their synthesis methods, properties, and biosensing applications. It starts by delving deeply into the interactions between DNA and AuNPs, emphasizing their role in material customization and highlighting the advantages and applicability of each technique. Furthermore, the review thoroughly evaluates the latest synthesis methods developed from shielding the charger repulsion and extremely compressing the physical space. It showcases the potential of DNA-functionalized AuNPs in addressing complex challenges for biosensing applications. This synergistic relationship has propelled advancements in nanotechnology, facilitating the integration of life sciences, medicine, and nanotechnology, and expanding the application domains of these novel biomimetic nanocomposite materials. Therefore, there is an urgent need for in-depth research into the synthesis, structure and function of DNA-functionalized nanomaterials to unravel their pivotal mechanisms. Illustration of the application of DNA-functionalized gold nanomaterials in the field of biosensing. [Display omitted] •Mechanisms behind those milestones during the evolution of synthesizing DNA-functionalized AuNPs have been extensively discussed.•Engineering DNA-AuNPs enables biosensing of biomolecules for more intuitive and accurate access to spatiotemporal information.•Continuous innovation of synthesis enhances the efficiency in designing more functionalized nanomaterials across diverse fields.