DNA–RNA chimera indicates the flexibility of the backbone influences the encapsulation of fluorescent AgNC emitters

Abstract

Many DNA scaffolds efficiently encapsulate highly emissive silver nanoclusters (AgNCs). The secondary structures and the arrangement of sequences of DNA scaffolds are important factors by which the specific features of AgNCs emitters can be determined. By introducing DNA–RNA chimera scaffolds, we here explore another factor – the flexibility of the backbone of nucleic acid-templates – in creating highly fluorescent AgNC emitters.