Conformation and dynamics of DNA confined in slitlike nanofluidic channels.
Using laser fluorescence microscopy, we study the shape and dynamics of individual DNA molecules in slitlike nanochannels confined to a fraction of their bulk radius of gyration. With a confinement size spanning 2 orders of magnitude, we observe a transition from the de Gennes regime to the Odijk regime in the scaling of both the radius of gyration and the relaxation time. The radius of gyration and the relaxation time follow the predicted scaling in the de Gennes regime, while, unexpectedly, the relaxation time shows a sharp decrease in the Odijk regime. The radius of gyration remains constant in the Odijk regime. Additionally, we report the first measurements of the effect of confinement on the shape anisotropy.
Kavli Institute of Nanoscience, Delft University of Technology, Lorentzweg 1, 2628 CJ Delft, The Netherlands.
Douwe Jan
DJ
Bonthuis
Christine
C
Meyer
Derek
D
Stein
Cees
C
Dekker
D016880:Anisotropy; D010582:Bacteriophage lambda / Q000737:chemistry*; D001704:Biopolymers / Q000737:chemistry; D004247:DNA / Q000737:chemistry*; D049329:Nanostructures / Q000737:chemistry*; D009690:Nucleic Acid Conformation; D013997:Time Factors
D001704:Biopolymers; D004247:DNA