The Interaction of DNA with Nano-Structured Beta-Gallia Rutile Intergrowths
Date
2006-10
Authors
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Journal ISSN
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Publisher
New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University. Kazuo Inamori School of Engineering.
Abstract
The demand for viable methods to fabricate nano-devices has driven research into
the realm of molecular self-assembly. This thesis outlines a procedure to synthesize betagallia
rutile (BGR) substrates capable of preferentially binding DNA molecules. The
information provided serves as a basis to direct future research toward the patterning of
BGR surfaces to facilitate self-assembled DNA nano-constructs. The ability to tailor the
separation and orientation of preferentially binding {210}r intergrowth boundaries could
enable BGR surfaces to be used as nano-assembling substrates to benefit nano-biologic,
electronic and mechanical technologies.
This research initially focused on a sol gel method to apply thin films of Ga2O3 to
single-crystal [001] oriented TiO2 substrates. The thermal treatments were systematically
studied to obtain a better understanding of how time and temperature influence the
formation of the intergrowth structure. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) was used to
observe the alignment of the synthesized intergrowth regions.
A 100bp-ladder DNA solution was applied to BGR and bare [001]-oriented rutile
substrates. The surfaces were investigated with tapping mode AFM. It was identified
from the generated images that DNA deposition solutions containing 1.0 mM additions of
select divalent chlorides facilitated the preferential attachment of DNA along {210}r
intergrowth regions of BGR surfaces. The large deviations within recorded DNA
densities and binding preferences were attributed primarily to the effect of DNA solution
aging.
Investigations involving mono-sized, 1000 bp DNA solutions were conducted to
determine the influence that cation concentration and DNA solution age had on DNA
attachment. Evaluating the density of bound DNA molecules and their end-to-end
distances led to insights into the binding behavior. For each cation species and
concentration tested, the greatest DNA density was observed at a cation concentration of
1.0 mM; further additions in salt concentration led to decreases in DNA density. Results
of bound DNA end-to-end distances reveal that the binding strength of DNA molecules
had increased with increasing cation concentration. The results of this research provide
xiv
increased knowledge about the interaction of DNA with oxide surfaces and may
influence the development of new molecular electronic devices.
Description
Advisory committee members: Alastair Cormack, Alexis Clare, Matthew Hall. Dissertation completed in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctorate of Philosophy in Materials Science and Engineering at the Kazuo Inamori School of Engineering, New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University
Type
Thesis