title: A switchable surface enables visualization of single DNA hybridization events with atomic force microscopy.
abstract: Here we describe a novel surface that enables direct visualization of the hybridization of single DNA molecules with an unprecedented resolution using atomic force microscopy. The surface consists of single-stranded DNA probes that are covalently anchored to a self-assembled monolayer. The surface satisfies the contradictory requirements for high-resolution imaging and hybridization by switching the DNA-surface interaction between a strong state and a weak state. Our approach opens up unique opportunities in elucidating hybridization at the molecular scale.
authors.affiliation: School of Natural Sciences, University of California, Merced, 5200 N Lake Rd., Merced, California 95343, USA.
authors.forename: Gary R
authors.initials: GR
authors.lastname: Abel
authors.forename: Eric A
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: Josephs
authors.forename: Norman
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Luong
authors.forename: Tao
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Ye
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D002021:Buffers; D004247:DNA / Q000737:chemistry*; D015342:DNA Probes; D006046:Gold / Q000737:chemistry; D046228:Microarray Analysis; D018625:Microscopy, Atomic Force; D009532:Nickel / Q000737:chemistry; D009693:Nucleic Acid Hybridization; D013499:Surface Properties
chemical_list: D002021:Buffers; D015342:DNA Probes; D006046:Gold; D009532:Nickel; D004247:DNA