Optical decomposition of DNA gel and modification of object mobility on micrometre scale

DNA gels can be engineered to exhibit specific properties through the choice of DNA sequences and modification with dye molecules, and can therefore be useful in biomedical applications such as the detection of biomolecules. State transitions of DNA gels on the micrometre scale can generate a viscosity gradient, which can be used to modify the mobility of micrometre-sized objects. In this paper, we propose a method for changing the viscosity of DNA gels using optical decomposition. The use of light allows for decomposition on the micrometre scale, which can be used to achieve patterned viscosity changes within DNA gels. Decomposition was induced by thermal energy released through non-radiative relaxation of excited quenchers. We demonstrated the decomposition of DNA gels in response to irradiation patterns on the micrometre scale. In addition, as a result of changes in DNA gel viscosity due to decomposition, the mobility of polystyrene beads was shown to increase. This technique could provide a new optical approach for controlling the mobility of micrometre-sized objects.