Micrometer-sized DNA-single-fluorophore-DNA supramolecule: synthesis and single-molecule characterization.
The synthesis of single-fluorophore-bis(micrometer-sized DNA) triblock supramolecules and the optical and structural characterization of the construct at the single-molecule level is reported. A fluorophore-bis(oligodeoxynucleotide) triblock is synthesized via the amide-coupling reaction. Subsequent protocols of DNA hybridization/ligation are developed to form the supramolecular triblock structure with lambda-DNA fragments on the micrometer length scale. The successful synthesis of the micrometer-sized DNA-single-fluorophore-DNA supramolecule is confirmed by agarose gel electrophoresis with fluorescence imaging under UV excitation. Single triblock structures are directly imaged by combined scanning force microscopy and single-molecule fluorescence microscopy, and provide unambiguous confirmation of the existence of the single fluorophore inserted in the middle of the long DNA. This type of triblock structure is a step closer to providing a scaffold for single-molecule electronic devices after metallization of the DNAs.
Lee
Jungkyu K
JK
Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305-5080, USA.
Jäckel
Frank
F
Moerner
W E
WE
Bao
Zhenan
Z
D004247:DNA / Q000737:chemistry*; D005456:Fluorescent Dyes / Q000737:chemistry*; D018625:Microscopy, Atomic Force; D008856:Microscopy, Fluorescence; D013056:Spectrophotometry, Ultraviolet; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays
D005456:Fluorescent Dyes; D004247:DNA