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Fluctuation-induced dispersion forces on thin DNA films.

Lixin Ge¹, Xi Shi², Bingzhong Li¹

¹School of Physics and Electronic Engineering, Xinyang Normal University, Xinyang 464000, China.

Physical Review. E

|July 19, 2023

Summary

This study calculates Casimir forces for DNA films using Lifshitz theory. Findings reveal how DNA thickness and environment affect these forces, with implications for DNA condensation.

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Area of Science:

Physics
Biophysics
Materials Science

Background:

Casimir forces are crucial in nanoscale interactions.
Understanding these forces is key for DNA behavior and nanotechnology.

Purpose of the Study:

To calculate Casimir forces across thin DNA films.
To investigate how DNA film properties and environments influence these forces.

Main Methods:

Utilized Lifshitz theory for Casimir force calculations.
Analyzed variations based on DNA thickness, water content, covering media, and substrates.

Main Results:

Attractive Casimir forces observed for DNA films in air/water, increasing with thinner films and lower water fractions.
Unusual force behaviors, including sign switching from attractive to repulsive, noted on silica substrates in water.
Repulsive forces dominate on metallic substrates at small thicknesses, with attractive forces and stable equilibrium at larger thicknesses in water.

Conclusions:

Casimir forces on DNA films are tunable by film properties and environment.
Findings offer insights into DNA adhesion, condensation/decondensation, and fluctuation-induced forces.