A Long DNA Segment in a Linear Nanoscale Paul Trap

Journal Article · Thu Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 2009 · Nanotechnology

OSTI ID:970485

Joseph, Sony nmn ^[1]; Guan, Weihau ^[2]; Reed, Mark A ^[2]; Krstic, Predrag S ^[1]

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1. ORNL
2. Yale University

We study the dynamics of a linearly distributed line charge such as single stranded DNA (ssDNA) in a nanoscale, linear 2D Paul trap in vacuum. Using molecular dynamics simulations we show that a line charge can be trapped effectively in the trap for a well defined range of stability parameters. We investigated (i) a flexible bonded string of charged beads and (ii) a ssDNA polymer of variable length, for various trap parameters. A line charge undergoes oscillations or rotations as it moves, depending on its initial angle, the position of the center of mass and the velocity. The stability region for a strongly bonded line of charged beads is similar to that of a single ion with the same charge to mass ratio. Single stranded DNA as long as 40 nm does not fold or curl in the Paul trap, but could undergo rotations about the center of mass. However, we show that a stretching field in the axial direction can effectively prevent the rotations and increase the confinement stability.

• Research Organization: Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL)
• Sponsoring Organization: ORNL work for others
• DOE Contract Number: AC05-00OR22725
• OSTI ID: 970485
• Journal Information: Nanotechnology, Journal Name: Nanotechnology Journal Issue: 1 Vol. 21
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS
CONFINEMENT
DNA
OSCILLATIONS
POLYMERS
STABILITY
VELOCITY