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Friday, June 11, 2010

Single DNA molecule detection in an optical trap using surface-enhanced Raman scattering

Satish Rao, Saurabh Raj, Stefan Balint, Carlota Bardina Fons, Susana Campoy, Montserrat Llagostera, and Dmitri Petrov

Raman spectra from single DNA molecules in their natural aqueous environment are presented. A DNA molecule that is anchored between two optically trapped dielectric beads is suspended in a solution with nanosized silver colloid particles. The nonspecific binding of the metal to the DNA enhances the Raman scattering that is excited by a near-infrared beam. A Raman spectrum is first recorded followed by a force-extension curve that verifies the presence of a single DNA molecule.


DOI

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