The intercalation of silver ions into DNA occurs via non-canonical base pairing with cytosine-cytosine mismatches. We present a characterization of these duplexes through the following methods: Immobilization onto HOPG for SEM imaging in preparation for further analysis with an ultra high vacuum scanning probe microscope; DC thin film conductivity tests under varying humidity conditions; STM break-junction measurements. Through the thin film measurements, it was possible to conclude that humidity proved to greatly affect DC thin film conductivity readings for both the control and the sample of interest. In low humidity conditions, the intercalated sample was roughly two orders of magnitude more conductive than the control. Additionally, early tests of tip-substrate conductance using the STM break-junction method confirmed conductivity of gold atom chains near multiples of the quantum conductance.
Toomey, Emily,
"Physical characterization and conductivity of silver-intercalated DNA"
(2014).
Summer Research Symposium.
Brown Digital Repository. Brown University Library.
https://doi.org/10.26300/derf-sj22
Each year, Brown University showcases the research of its undergraduates at the Summer Research Symposium. More than half of the student-researchers are UTRA recipients, while others receive funding from a variety of Brown-administered and national programs and fellowships and go …
