DNA dynamics in a microchannel

Phys Rev Lett. 2003 Jul 18;91(3):038102. doi: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.91.038102. Epub 2003 Jul 15.

Abstract

An extended Brownian dynamics simulation method is used to characterize the dynamics of long DNA molecules flowing in microchannels. The relaxation time increases due to confinement in agreement with scaling predictions. During flow the molecules migrate toward the channel center line, and thereby segregate according to molecular weight. Capturing these effects requires the detailed incorporation of solvent flow in the simulation method, demonstrating the importance of hydrodynamic effects in the dynamics of confined macromolecules.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Computer Simulation
  • DNA / chemistry*
  • Kinetics
  • Models, Chemical
  • Stochastic Processes
  • Viscosity

Substances

  • DNA