DNA Manipulation and Retrieval from an Aqueous Solution with Micromachined Nanotweezers

Abstract

We have demonstrated DNA handling with micromachined nanotweezers that consist of a pair of opposing nanoprobes and integrated thermal expansion microactuators for changing the probe gap. The probe tips coated with a thin Al layer were dipped into a droplet of a solution containing lambda-DNA molecules labeled with fluorescence dye, and then an ac electric field was applied between probes for several seconds. DNA molecules were then captured between the probe tips and retrieved from the solution to the air. The DNA capture between the probe tips could be performed more successfully on the droplet surface than in the underwater region. We also conducted an observation of the retrieved DNA molecules by transmission electron microscope and found that the thickness of the retrieved DNA molecules under the condition of this experiment was approximately 21 nm when the time of the applied ac power (1 MHz, 20 Vpp) was 20 s.

Real-time mechanical characterization of DNA degradation under therapeutic X-rays and its theoretical modeling

“…Then, DEP is performed by applying a potential difference (1 MV m − 1 at 1 MHz) between the SNT tips. Due to the aluminium coating of the tips, DNA molecules attach randomly to the SNT 23,24 and are extended by DEP 21 . Moving the nano-robot laterally at 20 μm s − 1 (for 2 mm) allows consequent removal of the SNT tips out of the DNA solution.…”

From Nanotechnology to Nanoengineering

“…For example, on an AFM tip, they can be controlled like tweezers to pick up and release nanoscale structures (Takekawa et al 2005). Nanotweezers also have great application in life science (Hashiguchi et al 2003;Roxworthy and Toussaint 2013). Nanostructures are also considered for improving the catalysts performance, either as active element or as support (Akia et al 2014;Shen and Yoshikawa 2013).…”

Nanobiodevices for Genome Analysis, Proteome Analysis, and Biomedical Applications

“…10 The diameter of the top of the nanotweezers is about 5 nm, which is twofold larger than the diameter (2 nm) of DNA and the tweezers will be able to open and close as a actuator based on MEMS Figure 5 and it is easy to manipulate even a single DNA molecule. This technology will be applicable to measure the electric current for a single DNA molecule, to read DNA sequences, and MEMS gene delivery systems.…”