Tethering single DNA under electric field in a nanochannel

Abstract

Current study introduces a simple DNA tethering method using electrodynamics in nanochannels. λ-DNAs were dielectrophoretically tethered in SiO2 nanochannels due to the particular cross-sectional geometry and DNA molecules showed tethering and stretching behaviors simultaneously at high electrical fields (above 20 kV/m). The tethering behavior was characterized by a commercial finite element method (FEM). Because the electric field gradient was very local at the nanohorn area, one end of DNA was able to be anchored by dielectrophoretic force, while electrostatic force of the same field elongates simultaneously the other part of the molecule. ？ 2009 CBMS.