Researchers Develop New Method for Shaping Nanoparticles with Controlled Lattice Symmetry

Scientists from Columbia University have pioneered a novel approach for creating complexly ordered nanostructures, revolutionizing the field of nanotechnology. The groundbreaking study, published in Nano Letters, presents a photothermal method for manipulating the shape of 3D DNA-programmable crystals of gold nanoparticles with micron-scale accuracy. This innovative technique allows for the creation of arbitrarily shaped voids within crystals, offering unprecedented control over crystal morphology.

Key Takeaways:

• Researchers developed a photothermal method for shaping 3D DNA-programmable crystals of gold nanoparticles with micron-scale accuracy.
• The technique involves local heating of nanoparticles due to plasmonic light absorption, inducing targeted volumetric dissolution of specifically defined crystal areas.
• The process allows for the creation of arbitrarily shaped voids within crystals, enabling custom-designed mesoscale architecture.
• The developed automated light-milling platform is capable of fabricating nanomaterials exhibiting both DNA-programmable nanoscale order and custom-designed mesoscale architecture.
• The study concluded that direct manipulation of material formation through assembly pathways or external fields allows for modulating crystal morphology but achieving arbitrary morphology remains challenging.
• Researchers emphasized the importance of understanding the key factors governing volumetric material subtraction through both computational and experimental investigations.

Statistics:

• The new method enables the formation of nanoparticle crystals with controlled lattice symmetry.
• The technique achieves micron-scale accuracy in targeted volumetric dissolution of specific crystal areas.
• The developed automated light-milling platform can fabricate nanomaterials exhibiting custom-designed mesoscale architecture.
• Researchers used a photothermal method to shape 3D DNA-programmable crystals of gold nanoparticles.
• The study included the work of 9 researchers from Columbia University and other institutions.

Sources:

• Volumetric Shaping of Nanoparticle-DNA Crystals by Light-Induced Milling.
• Nano Letters, 2025.
• Columbia University, Dept. of Chemical Engineering, New York, New York 10027, United States.
• American Chemical Society (ACS), 1155 16TH St, NW, Washington, DC 20036, USA.