Parallel manipulation of bifunctional DNA molecules on structured surfaces using kinesin-driven microtubules

Small. 2006 Aug;2(8-9):1090-8. doi: 10.1002/smll.200600112.

Abstract

We have developed a technique to manipulate bifunctional DNA molecules: One end is thiolated to bind to a patterned gold surface and the other end is biotinylated to bind to a microtubule gliding over a kinesin-coated surface. We found that DNA molecules can be stretched and overstretched between the gold pads and the motile microtubules, and that they can form dynamic networks. This serves as a proof-of-principle that biological machineries can be used in vitro to accomplish the parallel formation of structured DNA templates that will have applications in biophysics and nanoelectronics.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Bacteriophage lambda / genetics
  • DNA, Viral / metabolism*
  • Gold
  • Kinesins / physiology*
  • Microtubules* / metabolism
  • Nanotechnology

Substances

  • DNA, Viral
  • Gold
  • Kinesins