Researchers at the Technical University of Dresden and the Institute of Integrative Nanosciences (both in Germany) have perfected a technique for aligning DNA using nanoslit technology.
A drop of solution containing DNA is placed at one end of panel with channels 2-10 microns long and 100 nm deep. The solution is allowed to move across the panel by capillary action. After approximately 1 minute a buffer is applied to arrest movement. The DNA is then examined and has been found to have spontaneously stretched and perfectly aligned adjacent to the slit wall.
One of the lead developers Madhavi Krishnan reports that the technique will even unravel complicated DNA structural formulations such as loops. He reports that the panels are easily mass-produced and trivial to make.
Copyright 2007 InsideSurgery.com