Polarizability of G4-DNA observed by electrostatic force microscopy measurements

Nano Lett. 2007 Apr;7(4):981-6. doi: 10.1021/nl070013b. Epub 2007 Mar 13.

Abstract

G4-DNA, a quadruple helical motif of stacked guanine tetrads, is stiffer and more resistant to surface forces than double-stranded DNA (dsDNA), yet it enables self-assembly. Therefore, it is more likely to enable charge transport upon deposition on hard supports. We report clear evidence of polarizability of long G4-DNA molecules measured by electrostatic force microscopy, while coadsorbed dsDNA molecules on mica are electrically silent. This is another sign that G4-DNA is potentially better than dsDNA as a conducting molecular wire.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Anisotropy
  • DNA / chemistry*
  • Electric Conductivity
  • G-Quadruplexes
  • Microscopy, Atomic Force / methods*
  • Molecular Conformation
  • Nanostructures / chemistry*
  • Static Electricity

Substances

  • DNA