Non-Monotonic Plasmonic Alignment Governed by Liquid-Crystalline DNA Hydrogel Networks

Key Points

• The aim is to explore how liquid-crystalline ordering in biopolymer networks affects anisotropic properties in soft materials.
• Development of a DNA-gold nanorod hydrogel.
• Investigation of non-monotonic dependence of plasmonic alignment on liquid-crystalline ordering.
• Evaluation of material anisotropy through experimental measurements.
• The hydrogel displays unique non-monotonic plasmonic alignment behavior.
• Liquid-crystalline ordering significantly enhances control over material anisotropy.
• Findings suggest potential applications in soft material design.