Control of Periodic Zigzag Structures of DNA by a Simple Shearing Method

Abstract

A periodic zigzag structure of DNA material is successfully fabricated by a simple shearing method. The periodicity of the pattern can be finely controlled by combining the mechanical shearing method with topographic patterns of microchannels. The resultant zigzag patterns can be used as a template to control the alignment of rod-like liquid crystals due to its highly regular periodicity.

Keywords: DNA; liquid crystals; self-assembly; templates; zigzag patterns.