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Updated: May 4, 2026
A Simple, Robust, and High Throughput Single Molecule Flow Stretching Assay Implementation for Studying Transport of Molecules Along DNA
Published on: October 1, 2017
Simulation of single DNA molecule stretching and immobilization in a de-wetting two-phase flow over
Wei-Ching Liao1, Xin Hu2, Weixiong Wang2
1Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA ; Center for Affordable Nanoengineering of Polymeric Biomedical Devices, 1012 Smith Laboratory, 174 W. 18th Ave., Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA.
Abstract:
We investigate single DNA stretching dynamics in a de-wetting flow over micropillars using Brownian dynamics simulation. The Brownian dynamics simulation is coupled with transient flow field computation through a numerical particle tracking algorithm. The droplet formation on the top of the micropillar during the de-wetting process creates a flow pattern that allows DNA to stretch across the micropillars. It is found that DNA nanowire forms if DNA molecules could extend across the stagnation point inside the connecting water filament before its breakup. It also shows that DNA locates closer to the top wall of the micropillar has higher chance to enter the flow pattern of droplet formation and thus has higher chance to be stretched across the micropillars. Our simulation tool has the potential to become a design tool for DNA manipulation in complex biomicrofluidic devices.
