Diffusion of DNA on Atomically Flat 2D Material Surfaces

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Biophysics

Background:

• Accurate localization and delivery of biomolecules are crucial for biological research tools.
• Atomically flat 2D surfaces offer potential for biomolecule manipulation, but experimental realization has been challenging.

Purpose of the Study:

• To comprehensively characterize the interactions of individual DNA molecules with hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) surfaces.
• To investigate the controllable diffusion of DNA on hBN surfaces.
• To explore the potential of hBN for nanofluidic guiding of biomolecules.

Main Methods:

• Combined single-molecule detection methods with computational approaches.
• Experimentally studied DNA molecule interactions with hBN surfaces.
• Fabricated narrow hBN ribbon structures for confinement studies.

Main Results:

• DNA molecules retain diffusion ability upon binding to hBN surfaces.
• DNA diffusion magnitude and direction are controllable by DNA length, surface topography, and atomic defects.
• Observed diffusion speeds were lower than predicted by simulations, explained by a temporary trapping model.
• Achieved pseudo-1D confinement using hBN ribbon structures.

Conclusions:

• Hexagonal boron nitride surfaces provide a platform for controlled biomolecule diffusion.
• Atomic defects on hBN surfaces play a significant role in modulating DNA diffusion.
• hBN ribbon structures demonstrate potential for nanofluidic guiding of biomolecules.