Comparing the uncoated SiGNPs with the same particles after polymer coating and functionalization with polyT ssDNA, it is evident that the size and the shape of the NPs is not influenced, and the samples do not show any large aggregates, proving that the functionalization does not affect the SiGNPs stability. Moreover, the slightly different aggregation state of the polymer coated SiGNPs and the ssDNA-functionalized SiGNPs (Figure and 3c, respectively) suggests that the presence of the oligonucleotide improves the dispersion and the availability of the SiGNPs in solution.