title: Measuring the density of DNA films using ultraviolet-visible interferometry.
abstract: In order to determine a proper value for the density of dry DNA films we have used a method based upon the measurement of interference effects in transmission spectra of thin DNA layers. Our results show that the methodology is effective and the density of DNA in this state, 1.407 g/cm(3), is much lower than the commonly used 1.7 g/cm(3). Obtaining accurate values for the DNA film density will allow the optical constants for DNA to be recalculated, which were previously obtained assuming a higher DNA density. Furthermore, since our recent investigations have shown a strong dependence of the sample composition on DNA film formation and thus on its density, such a method will be important in characterizing particle interactions with DNA film and their dose dependence.
authors.affiliation: Atomic Physics Division, Department of Atomic Physics and Luminescence, Faculty of Applied Physics and Mathematics, Gdańsk University of Technology, 80-233 Gdańsk, Poland. smialek@mif.pg.gda.pl
authors.forename: Małgorzata A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Śmiałek
authors.forename: Nykola C
authors.initials: NC
authors.lastname: Jones
authors.forename: Søren Vrønning
authors.initials: SV
authors.lastname: Hoffmann
authors.forename: Nigel J
authors.initials: NJ
authors.lastname: Mason
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D004247:DNA / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D003720:Densitometry / Q000379:methods*; D007368:Interferometry / Q000379:methods*; D008422:Materials Testing / Q000379:methods*; D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D012031:Refractometry / Q000379:methods*; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays
chemical_list: D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D004247:DNA