Majorana zero modes in a G-quadruplex DNA with an s-wave superconductor

Abstract

We theoretically investigate topological properties of guanine-quadruplex (G4) DNA molecules with an s-wave superconductor. We show the emergence of Majorana zero modes (MZMs) at the ends of G4-DNA with topological nontrivial phase where a Zeeman field along x direction is considered. The topological superconducting G4-DNA can host one pair of MZMs or two pairs of MZMs, which can be regulated by chemical potential. The topological superconducting G4-DNAs with one pair of MZMs are more stable. The differential conductance of topological superconducting G4-DNA shows zero bias peak structure. MZMs can be identified by measuring the crossed Andreev reflection. It can be used to probe and control the MZMs in G4-DNA.