The polymer physics of single DNA confined in nanochannels

Liang Dai; C Benjamin Renner; Patrick S Doyle

doi:10.1016/j.cis.2015.12.002

The polymer physics of single DNA confined in nanochannels

Adv Colloid Interface Sci. 2016 Jun:232:80-100. doi: 10.1016/j.cis.2015.12.002. Epub 2015 Dec 23.

Authors

Liang Dai¹, C Benjamin Renner², Patrick S Doyle³

Affiliations

¹ BioSystems and Micromechanics (BioSyM) IRG, Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART) Centre, 138602, Singapore.
² Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA 02139, United States.
³ BioSystems and Micromechanics (BioSyM) IRG, Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART) Centre, 138602, Singapore; Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA 02139, United States. Electronic address: pdoyle@mit.edu.

PMID: 26782150
DOI: 10.1016/j.cis.2015.12.002

Abstract

In recent years, applications and experimental studies of DNA in nanochannels have stimulated the investigation of the polymer physics of DNA in confinement. Recent advances in the physics of confined polymers, using DNA as a model polymer, have moved beyond the classic Odijk theory for the strong confinement, and the classic blob theory for the weak confinement. In this review, we present the current understanding of the behaviors of confined polymers while briefly reviewing classic theories. Three aspects of confined DNA are presented: static, dynamic, and topological properties. The relevant simulation methods are also summarized. In addition, comparisons of confined DNA with DNA under tension and DNA in semidilute solution are made to emphasize universal behaviors. Finally, an outlook of the possible future research for confined DNA is given.

Keywords: Confinement; DNA; Monte Carlo simulation; Nanochannel; Polymer physics.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Review

MeSH terms

Animals
DNA*
Humans
Polymers*

Substances

Polymers
DNA