Orientation-defined alignment and immobilization of DNA between specific surfaces

Nanotechnology. 2011 Apr 8;22(14):145301. doi: 10.1088/0957-4484/22/14/145301. Epub 2011 Feb 24.

Abstract

DNA-based single-molecule studies, nanoelectronics and nanocargos require a precise placement of DNA in an orientation-defined manner. Until now, there is a lack of orientation-defined alignment and immobilization of DNA over distances smaller than several micrometers. However, this can be realized by designing bifunctionalized DNA with thiol at one end and (3-aminopropyl) tri-ethoxy silane at the other end, which specifically binds to a gold and SiO₂ layer after and during alignment, respectively. The electrode assembly consists of platinum as the electrode material for applying the AC voltage and islands of gold and silicon dioxide fabricated at a distance of about 500-800 nm by electron-beam lithography. The orientation-defined alignment and covalent binding of pUC19 DNA to specific surfaces are carried out in frequency ranges of 50 Hz-1 kHz and 100 kHz-1 MHz and observed after metallization of DNA by palladium ions by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). The bifunctionalized 890 nm long DNA was effectively aligned and immobilized between a gap of 500 to 600 nm width.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • DNA / chemistry*
  • DNA / ultrastructure
  • Electricity
  • Electrochemistry
  • Electrodes
  • Gold / chemistry
  • Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  • Nanotechnology / methods*
  • Palladium / chemistry
  • Plasmids / chemistry
  • Plasmids / ultrastructure
  • Platinum / chemistry
  • Propylamines
  • Silanes / chemistry
  • Silicon Dioxide / chemistry
  • Sulfhydryl Compounds / chemistry
  • Surface Properties

Substances

  • Propylamines
  • Silanes
  • Sulfhydryl Compounds
  • Platinum
  • Palladium
  • Gold
  • Silicon Dioxide
  • DNA
  • amino-propyl-triethoxysilane