Charge Transport in DNA-Based Devices

TL;DR

This paper reviews charge transport in DNA-based nanostructures, highlighting experimental findings that show feasible electrical conduction in short DNA molecules and discussing theoretical models that aim to understand and improve DNA conductivity.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive review of experimental and theoretical studies on charge transport in DNA, emphasizing the conditions for conductivity and strategies for enhancement.

Findings

Electrical transport is feasible in short DNA molecules and networks.

Long single DNA molecules attached to surfaces are generally insulating.

Theoretical models help interpret measurements and suggest conductivity improvements.

Abstract

Charge migration along DNA molecules has attracted scientific interest for over half a century. Reports on possible high rates of charge transfer between donor and acceptor through the DNA, obtained in the last decade from solution chemistry experiments on large numbers of molecules, triggered a series of direct electrical transport measurements through DNA single molecules, bundles and networks. These measurements are reviewed and presented here. From these experiments we conclude that electrical transport is feasible in short DNA molecules, in bundles and networks, but blocked in long single molecules that are attached to surfaces. The experimental background is complemented by an account of the theoretical/computational schemes that are applied to study the electronic and transport properties of DNA-based nanowires. Examples of selected applications are given, to show the capabilities and limits of current theoretical approaches to accurately describe the wires, interpret the transport measurements, and predict suitable strategies to enhance the conductivity of DNA nanostructures.