"Shaking biomolecules with oscillating DNA layers"

Note: Special Location and Time: PRB 595 at 11 AM
Speaker: Dr. Uli Rant, Walter Schottky Institut, Technische Universität München

When: December 4, 2007 (Tue), 11:00AM to 12:00PM (add to my calendar)
Location: PRB 595

This event is part of the Biophysics/Condensed Matter Seminar Series.

Abstract: I will discuss a novel type of switchable biointerface based on surface-tethered DNA molecules. By applying AC electric fields the oligonucleotides are driven into oscillation while their motion is monitored in real time by fluorescence energy transfer. The molecular dynamics of this electrically induced switching process are investigated in the time and frequency domain. Switchable DNA layers of this kind can be used as functional elements in label-free, chip-compatible biosensing schemes featuring unprecedented possibilities. I will discuss the detection of DNA, antibodies, and antibody fragments and demonstrate the identification of proteins according to their kinetic “fingerprint”.

Rant, et al, PNAS, Vol 104, p. 17364, Oct 30, 2007