Force-induced structural transitions in cross-linked DNA films

We report on the preparation and characterization of wet-spun films of sodium DNA in which intermolecular cross-links were introduced following formaldehyde treatment. Raman scattering shows that the DNA in moderately cross-linked films is mainly in the B conformation. Stretching experiments show a transition from plastic to elastomeric behavior with increasing exposure to the cross-linking agent. Elastomeric DNA films are strongly disordered. X-ray diffraction shows that stretching of moderately cross-linked films under controlled high humidity conditions results in increased molecular orientation as well as the appearance of meridional reflections at 7.4-7.8 and 8.2 angstroms. These reflections are not observed for any of the classical conformations associated with mixed sequence DNA, and may arise from extended base-pair stacking in a stretched DNA structure.