Asymmetric Functionalization of Nanoparticles Based on Thermally Addressable DNA Interconnects

The synthesis of nanoparticles asymmetrically functionalized with oligonucleotides is reported. The method provides excellent control over the placement of oligonucleotides on the surface of only one hemisphere of each particle (see figure). This new synthetic capability allows one to introduce valency into such structures and then use that valency to direct particle‐assembly events.