title: The polymer physics of single DNA confined in nanochannels.
abstract: In recent years, applications and experimental studies of DNA in nanochannels have stimulated the investigation of the polymer physics of DNA in confinement. Recent advances in the physics of confined polymers, using DNA as a model polymer, have moved beyond the classic Odijk theory for the strong confinement, and the classic blob theory for the weak confinement. In this review, we present the current understanding of the behaviors of confined polymers while briefly reviewing classic theories. Three aspects of confined DNA are presented: static, dynamic, and topological properties. The relevant simulation methods are also summarized. In addition, comparisons of confined DNA with DNA under tension and DNA in semidilute solution are made to emphasize universal behaviors. Finally, an outlook of the possible future research for confined DNA is given.
authors.affiliation: BioSystems and Micromechanics (BioSyM) IRG, Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART) Centre, 138602, Singapore.
authors.forename: Liang
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Dai
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA 02139, United States.
authors.forename: C Benjamin
authors.initials: CB
authors.lastname: Renner
authors.affiliation: BioSystems and Micromechanics (BioSyM) IRG, Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART) Centre, 138602, Singapore; Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA 02139, United States. Electronic address: pdoyle@mit.edu.
authors.forename: Patrick S
authors.initials: PS
authors.lastname: Doyle
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D004247:DNA; D006801:Humans; D011108:Polymers
chemical_list: D011108:Polymers; D004247:DNA
keywords: Confinement; DNA; Monte Carlo simulation; Nanochannel; Polymer physics