Physical Chemistry Seminar: Charge Transport in DNA: From Fundamental Insights to Ultra-Sensitive Detection

Zoom: https://tau-ac-il.zoom.us/j/86298492303

Abstract:

The ability to recognize and manipulate the DNA double helix opens exciting opportunities for molecular electronics. Our recent work (Nature Nanotechnology, 2020) demonstrated a breakthrough in measuring charge transport in DNA under a unique configuration. This discovery is not only fundamental for understanding electrical properties in DNA but also holds significant implications for molecular electronics as a whole.

Beyond its intrinsic scientific value, this insight lays the foundation for the development of ultra-sensitive DNA and RNA detection methods. Such advancements are particularly crucial for early cancer diagnosis, pathogen identification, emergency medicine, and pandemic preparedness, as seen in the case of COVID-19.

In this seminar, I will present our approach to probing charge transport in DNA and discuss how we are leveraging this phenomenon for next-generation molecular detection technologies.

References

[1] "Direct measurement of electrical transport through DNA molecules", Danny Porath, Alexey Bezryadin, Simon de Vries and Cees Dekker, Nature 403, 635 (2000).

[2] "Charge Transport in DNA-based Devices", Danny Porath, Rosa Di Felice and Gianaurelio Cuniberti, Topics in Current Chemistry Vol. 237, pp. 183-228 Ed. Gary Shuster. Springer Verlag, 2004.

[3] "Long-range charge transport in single G4-DNA molecules", Gideon I. Livshits et. al., Nature Nanotechnology 9, 1040 (2014).

[4] “Advances in Synthesis and Measurement of Charge Transport in DNA-Based Derivatives”. R. Zhuravel, A. Stern, N. Fardian‐Melamed, G. Eidelshtein, L. Katrivas, D. Rotem, A. Kotlyar and D. Porath, Advanced Materials 30, 1706984 (2018).

[5] "Backbone charge transport in double-stranded DNA", R. Zhuravel et. al., Nature Nanotechnology, 15(10), 836 (2020).

Seminar Organizer: Prof. Yoram Selzer