Characterization of Modified DNA-Based Polymer Alignment Layers for Photonic Applications

We present the creation of an alignment layer for liquid crystal molecules based on DNA from fish waste and a selected cationic surfactant. The implemented biodegradable DNA-based surface offers excellent optical and physical properties, cost-effectiveness, and environmental benefits compared to conventional polymers. Our findings demonstrate that the biopolymer DNA-DODA effectively induces homeotropic alignment of nematic liquid crystals, which was confirmed by topography visualization using atomic force microscopy, macroscopy, and polarizing optical microscopy observations. Anchoring energy and response time studies in the well-known electro-optical effect show that DNA-DODA exhibits molecular interaction strengths comparable to those of commercial polyimide. The successful implementation of DNA-DODA as an alignment layer highlights its promise for next-generation technologies, including flexible, sustainable, and biocompatible optical devices.