Electric field-induced translocation of single-stranded DNA through a polarized carbon nanotube membrane

J Chem Phys. 2007 Dec 14;127(22):225101. doi: 10.1063/1.2799989.

Abstract

Molecular dynamics simulations based on a novel polarizable nanotube model were performed to study the dynamics in translocation of a single-stranded deoxyribonucleic acid oligonucleotide through a polarized carbon nanotube membrane by an applied electric field. The study revealed a nonlinear dependence of translocation velocity and an inverse quadratic dependence of translocation time on the electric field strength, as well as a threshold electric field below which the translocation process becomes impossible. The translocation rate was found to be pore-size dependent. The polarizable nanotube model developed for this study provides a useful platform for investigating the dynamics of a range of bionanosystems.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Computer Simulation
  • DNA / chemistry*
  • DNA / radiation effects*
  • DNA / ultrastructure
  • Electromagnetic Fields
  • Electroporation / methods*
  • Membranes, Artificial*
  • Models, Chemical*
  • Models, Molecular
  • Motion
  • Nanotubes, Carbon / chemistry*
  • Nanotubes, Carbon / radiation effects
  • Nanotubes, Carbon / ultrastructure*
  • Static Electricity

Substances

  • Membranes, Artificial
  • Nanotubes, Carbon
  • DNA