title: An in silico design for a DNA nanomechanical switch.
abstract: We have calculated how the charge transfer properties of DNA change in response to the application of an external stretching force. Since charge transfer occurs through the DNA π-stack, any disruption to this stacking causes dramatic changes in the transport properties of the biomolecule, as our calculations demonstrate. We therefore propose that the mechanical response of DNA to an applied stretching force might be used in the design of a nanomechanical switch.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biological Sciences, University of Essex, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Řeha
authors.forename: Alexander A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Voityuk
authors.forename: Sarah A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Harris
mesh_terms: D020137:Base Pair Mismatch; D001671:Biochemistry / Q000379:methods; D004247:DNA / Q000737:chemistry*; D004563:Electrochemistry / Q000379:methods; D004581:Electronics; D015233:Models, Statistical; D053761:Nanocomposites / Q000737:chemistry; D053758:Nanoparticles / Q000737:chemistry*; D036103:Nanotechnology / Q000379:methods*; D011789:Quantum Theory; D013314:Stress, Mechanical; D013816:Thermodynamics
chemical_list: D004247:DNA