Here we propose an easy to build up and apply glass slide preparation system for single DNA molecules stretching. It is based on fast and simple coating of a solid glass with a cocktail of acrylic monomers that are easily polymerized via ultraviolet illumination. The acrylated slides are used to successfully stretch DNA molecules in a broader pH range compared to that of the commonly used amino-silanes. Moreover, the single DNA molecules that are stretched on the acrylated slides give a brighter and more photostable signal when visualized under a fluorescent microscope.
Keywords: DNA stretching; fluorescent microscopy; glass slide surface modification; single DNA molecules.