Manipulation of single DNA molecules by using optically projected images.
A new platform is presented that is capable of manipulating a single DNA molecule based on optically-induced dielectrophoretic forces. The ends of a single DNA molecule are bound with a micro-bead, which is then manipulated by interactions with optical images projected from a commercially available projector. Thus a single DNA molecule is indirectly manipulated by a projected animation pre-programmed using simple computer software. Real-time observation of the manipulation process is made possible by using a fluorescent dye and an oxygen scavenging buffer. Two types of DNA manipulation modes, specifically DNA elongation and rotation, are successfully demonstrated and are characterized. The maximum stretching force can be as high as 61.3 pN for a 10.1 microm bead. Experimental data show that the force-extension curve measured using this platform fits reasonably with the worm-like chain model. The developed platform can be a promising and flexible tool for further applications requiring single molecule manipulation.
Lin
Yen-Heng
YH
Department of Engineering Science, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.
Chang
Chen-Min
CM
Lee
Gwo-Bin
GB
D000465:Algorithms; D001710:Biotin / Q000737:chemistry; D003201:Computers; D004247:DNA / Q000737:chemistry*; D004553:Electric Conductivity; D004867:Equipment Design; D005456:Fluorescent Dyes / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008856:Microscopy, Fluorescence / Q000379:methods*; D052898:Optical Tweezers; D055095:Optics and Photonics; D010100:Oxygen / Q000737:chemistry; D012984:Software
D005456:Fluorescent Dyes; D001710:Biotin; D004247:DNA; D010100:Oxygen