Elasticity of DNA nanowires

In this paper, using a theoretical model we bring forth the Young modulus of DNA nanowire (NWs) as a function of diameter considering both equilibrium strain and surface stress effects. A good trend between the present calculated and the available theoretical size-dependent Young modulus of different metallic and semiconducting NWs is found, which supports the DNA NWs mechanical strength. We have extended our view of studied materials to predict the behavior of the DNA NWs and ascertain their resemblance to the behavior of either metallic or semiconducting nature of NWs. We have also demonstrated the variation in Young modulus of the DNA NWs with the variation of relaxed material property of DNA NWs. This study extrapolates key factors in modeling DNA NWs for the electronic device applications.