Issue 40, 2012

Solution, surface, and single molecule platforms for the study of DNA-mediated charge transport

Abstract

The structural core of DNA, a continuous stack of aromatic heterocycles, the base pairs, which extends down the helical axis, gives rise to the fascinating electronic properties of this molecule that is so critical for life. Our laboratory and others have developed diverse experimental platforms to investigate the capacity of DNA to conduct charge, termed DNA-mediated charge transport (DNA CT). Here, we present an overview of DNA CT experiments in solution, on surfaces, and with single molecules that collectively provide a broad and consistent perspective on the essential characteristics of this chemistry. DNA CT can proceed over long molecular distances but is remarkably sensitive to perturbations in base pair stacking. We discuss how this foundation, built with data from diverse platforms, can be used both to inform a mechanistic description of DNA CT and to inspire the next platforms for its study: living organisms and molecular electronics.

Graphical abstract: Solution, surface, and single molecule platforms for the study of DNA-mediated charge transport

Article information

Article type
Perspective
Submitted
17 Mai 2012
Accepted
18 Jul 2012
First published
31 Jul 2012

Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2012,14, 13754-13771

Solution, surface, and single molecule platforms for the study of DNA-mediated charge transport

N. B. Muren, E. D. Olmon and J. K. Barton, Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2012, 14, 13754 DOI: 10.1039/C2CP41602F

To request permission to reproduce material from this article, please go to the Copyright Clearance Center request page.

If you are an author contributing to an RSC publication, you do not need to request permission provided correct acknowledgement is given.

If you are the author of this article, you do not need to request permission to reproduce figures and diagrams provided correct acknowledgement is given. If you want to reproduce the whole article in a third-party publication (excluding your thesis/dissertation for which permission is not required) please go to the Copyright Clearance Center request page.

Read more about how to correctly acknowledge RSC content.

Social activity

Spotlight

Advertisements