Long-range charge transport in single G-quadruplex DNA molecules

Nat Nanotechnol. 2014 Dec;9(12):1040-6. doi: 10.1038/nnano.2014.246. Epub 2014 Oct 26.

Abstract

DNA and DNA-based polymers are of interest in molecular electronics because of their versatile and programmable structures. However, transport measurements have produced a range of seemingly contradictory results due to differences in the measured molecules and experimental set-ups, and transporting significant current through individual DNA-based molecules remains a considerable challenge. Here, we report reproducible charge transport in guanine-quadruplex (G4) DNA molecules adsorbed on a mica substrate. Currents ranging from tens of picoamperes to more than 100 pA were measured in the G4-DNA over distances ranging from tens of nanometres to more than 100 nm. Our experimental results, combined with theoretical modelling, suggest that transport occurs via a thermally activated long-range hopping between multi-tetrad segments of DNA. These results could re-ignite interest in DNA-based wires and devices, and in the use of such systems in the development of programmable circuits.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aluminum Silicates*
  • DNA / chemistry*
  • Electric Conductivity*
  • Nanowires / chemistry*

Substances

  • Aluminum Silicates
  • DNA
  • mica