Nanoslinky: DNA Entropophoresis Down a Nanofluidic Staircase

Published

October 4, 2010

Author(s)

Elizabeth A. Strychalski, Laurie E. Locascio, Samuel M. Stavis, Michael Gaitan

Abstract

Almost all nanofluidic devices for biopolymer analysis have been limited by one or two confining structural dimen-sions or the application of external forces for biopolymer manipulation, which has restricted the scope of related lab-on-a-chip technology. Here, a nanofluidic channel with a three dimensional (3D) “staircase” depth profile across its width was used to control and measure the behavior of individual DNA molecules, which “descended” the confining staircase via “entropophoresis” effected by interactions between the DNA molecules and the nanofluidic step edges. Thus, the nanofabricated staircase enabled complex structural control over DNA transport and conformation without the applica-tion of external forces.

Proceedings Title

The 14th International Conference on Miniaturized Systems for Chemistry and Life Sciences

Conference Dates

October 3-7, 2010

Conference Location

Gaithersburg, MD

Pub Type

Conferences

Keywords

3D, DNA, Entropophoresis, Nanofluidics, Polymer, Separation

Citation

Strychalski, E. , Locascio, L. , Stavis, S. and Gaitan, M. (2010), Nanoslinky: DNA Entropophoresis Down a Nanofluidic Staircase, The 14th International Conference on Miniaturized Systems for Chemistry and Life Sciences, Gaithersburg, MD (Accessed October 13, 2025)