Manipulation of DNA molecule utilizing the conformational transition in the higher order structure of DNA

We propose a new methodology on noncontact transportation of DNA molecules by dielectrophoretic force together with the micro DNA flow system. We utilize the conformational transition in the higher order structure of DNA for transportation. We have designed a simple micro electrode-flow system. Experimental demonstrations of DNA transportation in the globule state using dielectrophoretic force and direct observation of the DNA molecule in a nonuniform electric field were carried out with fluorescence microscopy. We discuss the experimental results on the motion of the DNA molecule. We show that transportation of DNA with the state of compacted globule is profitable in the future practical application for the separation of giant DNAs such as the human gene