Note: Direct force and ionic-current measurements on DNA in a nanocapillary

Rev Sci Instrum. 2011 Aug;82(8):086102. doi: 10.1063/1.3623502.

Abstract

We have developed optical tweezers, with force measurements based on fast video tracking, for analysis and control of DNA translocation through nanocapillaries. Nanocapillaries are single-molecule biosensors with very similar characteristics to solid-state nanopores. Our novel experimental setup allows for ionic-current measurements in which the nanocapillary is oriented perpendicular to the trapping laser. Using video-based particle tracking, we are able to measure the position of DNA coated colloids at sub-millisecond resolution and in real-time. We present the first electrophoretic force and simultaneous ionic-current measurements of a single DNA molecule inside the orifice of a nanocapillary.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Bacteriophage lambda
  • DNA, Viral / analysis*
  • Electric Conductivity
  • Motion
  • Nanostructures*
  • Optical Tweezers*

Substances

  • DNA, Viral