Chiral Mesophases of DNA

TL;DR

This paper explores the complex phases and defect structures in chiral DNA liquid crystals, proposing new theoretical states like the moire phase and chiral hexatic, supported by recent experimental findings.

Contribution

It introduces novel theoretical phases such as the moire state and chiral hexatic in chiral mesophases, linking them to experimental observations in DNA liquid crystals.

Findings

Proliferation of topological defects in strong chirality regimes.

Identification of a new moire phase with twisted bond order.

Experimental evidence from NIH supports theoretical phase predictions.

Abstract

In the hexagonal columnar phase of chiral polymers a bias towards cholesteric twist competes with braiding along an average direction. When the chirality is strong, topological defects proliferate, leading to either a tilt grain boundary phase or a new ``moire state'' with twisted bond order. This moire phase can melt leading to a new phase: the chiral hexatic. I will discuss some recent experimental results from the NIH on DNA liquid crystals in the context of these theories.