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Updated: May 24, 2026
DNA Nanotubes as a Versatile Tool to Study Semiflexible Polymers
Published on: October 25, 2017
Steered molecular dynamics simulation study on dynamic self-assembly of single-stranded DNA with double-walled carbon
Chang-Li Cheng1, Guang-Jiu Zhao
1State Key Laboratory of Molecular Reaction Dynamics, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 457 Zhongshan Road, Dalian 116023, China.
Abstract:
In the present work, we explored the diameter selectivity of dynamic self-assembly for the single-strand DNA (ssDNA) encapsulation in double-walled nanotubes (DWNTs) via molecular dynamics simulation method. Moreover, the pulling out process was carried out by steered molecular dynamics simulations. Considering π-π stacking and solvent accessibility together, base-CNT binding should be strongest on a graphene sheet and weakest on the inner CNT surface. When pulling the ssDNA out of the single-walled carbon nanotube (SWNT), the force exhibits characteristic fluctuations around a plateau about 300 pN. Each fluctuation force pulse to pull ssDNA corresponds to the exit of one base. In addition, the solvents used for the system are also of significant interest. Water does play an important role in encapsulation process but doesn't in the pulling out process.
