Single Strand DNA Molecules Translocation through Nanoelectrode Gaps

Journal Article · Mon Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 2007 · Nanotechnology

OSTI ID:931926

Lee, James Weifu ^[1]; Zhao, Xiongce ^[1]; Cummings, Peter T ^[1]

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1. ORNL

Molecular dynamics simulations were performed to investigate the translocation of single-strand DNA through nanoscale electrode gaps under the action of a constant driving force. The application behind this theoretical study is a proposal to use nanoelectrodes as a screening gap as part of a rapid genomic sequencing device. Preliminary results from a series of simulations using various gap widths and driving forces suggest that the narrowest electrode gap that a single-strand DNA can pass is {approx}1.5 nm. The minimum force required to initiate the translocation within nanoseconds is {approx}0.3 nN. Simulations using DNA segments of various lengths indicate that the minimum initiation force is insensitive to the length of DNA. However, the average threading velocity of DNA varies appreciably from short to long DNA segments. We attribute such variation to the different nature of drag force experienced by the short and long DNA segments in the environment. It is found that DNA molecules deform significantly to fit in the shape of the nanogap during the translocation

• Research Organization: Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL)
• Sponsoring Organization: ORNL work for others
• DOE Contract Number: AC05-00OR22725
• OSTI ID: 931926
• Journal Information: Nanotechnology, Journal Name: Nanotechnology Vol. 18; ISSN 0957-4484
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
DNA
ELECTRODES
SHAPE
TRANSLOCATION