Functional DNA biopolymers and nanocomposite for optoelectronic applications

In this study, we present the synthesis and characterization of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)-based biopolymers using aromatic surfactants. These DNA biopolymers can be dissolved in organic solvents and the material processing is compatible in conventional manufacturing platform of organic devices. Material properties, including optical transmission, optical dispersion, thermal stability, and energy levels were characterized. By incorporating a photo-triggered synthesis approach, nanocomposite consisting of metal nanoparticles (NPs) embedded in DNA biopolymers was obtained by light irradiation. The results demonstrate the versatile properties of synthesized DNA biopolymers, which hold promise for the fabrication of functional DNA biopolymer thin-film devices and photoinduced DNA–NPs nanocomposite for plasmonic nanostructures, holographic applications, and optical storage devices.

► We present synthesis and detailed characterization of DNA biopolymers exhibiting promising properties for optical thin-film devices.
► We present a photo-triggered synthesis method, enabling rapid fabrication of DNA biopolymer–Ag NPs nanocomposite.
► Properties of DNA biopolymer–Ag NPs nanocomposite can be manipulated by light for plasmonic and holographic applications.