Zimmerli U., Koumoutsakos P.
ETH Zürich, CH
Keywords: membranes, nanotubes, RNA
We study electrophoretic transport of RNA through carbon nanotubes embedded in membranes using molecular dynamics simulations. % Doped and naked carbon nanotubes are inserted into a dodecane membrane and a dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine lipid bilayer and we assess the electrostatic potential maps in the presence and in the absence of a transmembrane potential difference. The interaction of the lipid head groups with the single-walled-nanotube rims characterizes the structure of the electrostatic potential across the pore. The electrophoretic transport of RNA is affected by its hydrophobic interaction with membrane head groups and the nanotube and the results indicate an exponential voltage dependence of the speed of translocation.
Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: 2, Technical Proceedings of the 2007 NSTI Nanotechnology Conference and Trade Show, Volume 2
Published: May 20, 2007
Pages: 699 - 702
Industry sector: Medical & Biotech
Topic: Biomaterials
ISBN: 1-4200-6183-6