Surface morphology of hybrids of double-stranded DNA and single-walled carbon nanotubes studied by atomic force microscopy

We examined the formation of hybrids of double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) and single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs), which has not been well investigated yet. In particular, the adsorption of dsDNA onto SWNT produced by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) was examined for the first time. When small amount of dsDNA was mixed with CVD SWNT, well dispersed hybrids with smooth surfaces were observed by atomic force microscopy (AFM). Through a comparison of dsDNA, single-stranded DNA (ssDNA), CVD SWNT, and high-pressure carbon monoxide process (HiPco) SWNT, we found that the surface morphology of the hybrids was independent of the DNA type. Even when sonicated salmon testes DNA, which has a random sequence and length, was employed, smooth surfaces were obtained on the dsDNA–CVD hybrids as well as on the ssDNA–CVD hybrids. The ratio of monodispersed SWNT and bundled SWNT in a dispersion solution was also not affected by the DNA type. In contrast, the quantity of the fabricated hybrids was affected by the types of DNA especially when HiPco SWNT was used. Our results indicated that characteristic features of the dsDNA–CVD hybrids and provide an enhanced understanding of the adsorption mechanism of dsDNA onto SWNTs.

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► Hybridization of CVD-SWNT with dsDNA was demonstrated.
► Smooth surfaces of hybrids were obtained even with small amount of dsDNA.
► Surface morphology was not affected by the DNA type.
► The ratio of monodispersed SWNT and bundled SWNT was not affected by the DNA type.
► Quantity of fabricated hybrids was influenced by the DNA type.