Absence of intrinsic electric conductivity in single dsDNA molecules

H. Kleine, R. Wilke, Ch Pelargus, K. Rott, A. Pühler, G. Reiss, R. Ros, D. Anselmetti

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

9 Scopus citations

Abstract

The intrinsic dc conductivity of long, individual lambda phage dsDNA molecules has been investigated by ultrasensitive low current-voltage- spectroscopy (IV) under ambient conditions and controlled low humidity inert gas atmosphere on microfabricated metal-insulator-metal gap structures. We found a strong dependence of the measured conductivity on the apparent humidity, which we attribute to capillary condensation of water to the immobilized DNA molecules, giving rise to additional ionic currents. Additional IV-spectroscopy experiments under controlled argon atmosphere always revealed a significant drop in electrical conductivity to 4 × 10-15 A V-1 μm-1, indicating almost no considerable contribution of electrical long range charge transport.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)91-95
Number of pages5
JournalJournal of Biotechnology
Volume112
Issue number1-2
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 26 2004
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Current-voltage spectroscopy
  • DNA conductivity
  • Microstructures

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Biotechnology
  • Bioengineering
  • Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology

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