DNA analysis based on physical manipulation

Abstract

A novel DNA analysis method based on physical molecular manipulation is proposed and experimentally demonstrated. On a glass substrate is deposited a sacrificial layer, carrier layer and a pair of electrodes, onto which the DNA solution is fed. By applying high frequency voltage, the DNA is stretched straight and aligned, with one of its molecular end anchored on the electrode edge, and immobilized onto the carrier layer. Then using an AFM stylus as a knife, a portion of the DNA together with the carrier layer is cut, and by dissolving the sacrificial layer, recovered onto a membrane filter. Successful recovery is demonstrated using PCR.