Exploring the Synergies of Single‐Molecule Fluorescence and 2D Materials Coupled by DNA

• Published in: Advanced materials (Weinheim) Vol. 35; no. 41; pp. e2303152 - n/a
• Main Authors: Richter, Lars, Szalai, Alan M., Manzanares‐Palenzuela, C. Lorena, Kamińska, Izabela, Tinnefeld, Philip
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Weinheim Wiley Subscription Services, Inc 01.10.2023
• Subjects: 2D materials; DNA; DNA origami; energy transfer; Fluorescence; graphene; Materials science; single molecules; Two dimensional materials
• ISSN: 0935-9648; 1521-4095
• DOI: 10.1002/adma.202303152

The world of 2D materials is steadily growing, with numerous researchers attempting to discover, elucidate, and exploit their properties. Approaches relying on the detection of single fluorescent molecules offer a set of advantages, for instance, high sensitivity and specificity, that allow the drawing of conclusions with unprecedented precision. Herein, it is argued how the study of 2D materials benefits from fluorescence‐based single‐molecule modalities, and vice versa. A special focus is placed on DNA, serving as a versatile adaptor when anchoring single dye molecules to 2D materials. The existing literature on the fruitful combination of the two fields is reviewed, and an outlook on the additional synergies that can be created between them provided. Integrating single‐molecule (SM) fluorescence methods with 2D materials by using DNA and related nanostructures as molecular anchors provides significant benefits for both fields: deepening knowledge about the materials while adding information to SM fluorescence experiments. This Perspective delves into the rich interplay, highlights new opportunities for further synergies, and identifies challenges in this cross‐disciplinary venture.