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DNA Tiling and the AFM

DNA Tiling and the AFM. By Alexi Lykoudis. DNA versus DNA Tiling. DNA is a nucleic acid formed by a double helix DNA is also made of a negatively charged phosphate backbone, base pairs and bonds between those bases DNA tiling is the analyzing and the engineering of DNA and its structures

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DNA Tiling and the AFM

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  1. DNA Tiling and the AFM By Alexi Lykoudis

  2. DNA versus DNA Tiling • DNA is a nucleic acid formed by a double helix • DNA is also made of a negatively charged phosphate backbone, base pairs and bonds between those bases • DNA tiling is the analyzing and the engineering of DNA and its structures • DNA plasmids are circular double-stranded molecules

  3. DNA Structure

  4. The AFM • The Atomic Force Microscope, or AFM is a scanning probe microscope • On the cantilever is a tip that scans back and forth the surface of your sample • The microscope gives you enlarged images of the DNA on the sample surface

  5. Reasons for AFM • Advantages: • Can create detailed, true 3-D images of surfaces unlike the electron microscope • Works in a normal environment with little to no sanitary measures being taken in the environment • Disadvantages: • Cannot scan a very large surface in comparison to the STM • Scans relatively slowly and the tip used to scan is easily breakable

  6. Silicon Wafers • Silicon is used as a surface for the DNA plasmids to sit on while being analyzed by the AFM • For plain imaging on the AFM, Silicon does not have to be used • Then why is silicon emphasized?

  7. The Adhesive Monolayer • The silane layer on the silicon is negative • The phosphate backbone of the DNA plasmid is also negative • A molecule known as aminopropyltriethoxysilane, or APTES is used as an adhesive

  8. DNA Structures • In DNA there are unpaired bases that stick out of the structure • They can be used to attach other DNA sticky ends to them, creating a larger structure • Other tile-like but more complex DNA structures can be used in nanotechnology

  9. Nanotechnology • Nanotechnology is the building of structures in the range of nanometers • One example of the power of nanotechnology is the image to the right

  10. Why DNA Tiling? • One main goal is to use DNA as a programmable component with other nanostructures • DNA can be used to act as scaffolding to hold molecules in an organized crystalline pattern • DNA can be engineered to act as circuitry for computers

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