Mechanical and electroconductive properties of spatially distributed double stranded DNA arrays on Au (111)

Conductive AFM was used to investigate electroconductivity through 10 nm long double stranded DNA molecules in mixed monolayers of thioalkylated-DNA and mercaptohexanol (MCH) on Au (111) surface. The distribution of DNA molecules on the surface was analyzed by tapping mode AFM. Measurements performed in lift mode confirmed that the DNA molecules protrude from the surface rather than lie horizontally adsorbed on the interface. The optimal conductivity measurement time, which is shorter than the mechanical relaxation time of oligonucleotide duplexes, was determined. It was concluded that oligonucleotide duplexes have a resistance of the order of ~ 2 Ω ⁎ m at 1 V.