Effects of Buffer Solution and Concentration on AFM Imaging of DNA Molecules

Abstract

The effects of buffer solution and concentration on atomic force microscope (AFM) imaging of DNA molecules were investigated. It was found that the buffer solution type and the DNA solution concentration affected the DNA topological conformations, and had distinct AFM imaging results. Moreover, DNA molecules diluted with the TE buffer under the DC electric field present stretching topological conformations. This study contributes to the understanding of formation factors of various DNA topological conformations and further promotes the application of DNA in nanotechnology and biology.