AFM-Based Probing of the Flexibility and Surface Attachment of Immobilized DNA Origami

The flexible and precise immobilization of self-organizing DNA nanostructures represents a key step in the integration of DNA-based material for potential electronic or sensor applications. However, the involved processes have still not been well studied and are not yet fully understood. Thus, we investigated the potential for the mechanical manipulation of DNA origami by atomic force microscopy (AFM) in order to study the interaction between intramolecular flexibility and surface-attachment forces. AFM is particularly suitable for nanoscale manipulation. Previous studies showed the potential for pushing, bending, and cutting double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) with an AFM tip. Understanding the involved parameters may enable control over different processes such as nanointegration, precise cutting, and stretching of preassembled DNA origami. We demonstrate the defined manipulation and flexibility of DNA origami immobilized on mica in the nanometer range: controlled cutting, folding, and stretching as a function of the magnesium concentration.