DNA transport by a micromachined Brownian ratchet device

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 1999 Nov 9;96(23):13165-9. doi: 10.1073/pnas.96.23.13165.

Abstract

We have micromachined a silicon-chip device that transports DNA with a Brownian ratchet that rectifies the Brownian motion of microscopic particles. Transport properties for a DNA 50-mer agree with theoretical predictions, and the DNA diffusion constant agrees with previous experiments. This type of micromachine could provide a generic pump or separation component for DNA or other charged species as part of a microscale lab-on-a-chip. A device with reduced feature size could produce a size-based separation of DNA molecules, with applications including the detection of single-nucleotide polymorphisms.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • DNA / chemistry*
  • DNA / genetics
  • Diffusion
  • Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide

Substances

  • DNA