DNA Alignment-Induced Linear Dichroism via Magnetic Field Assisted Electrospray: Implications for Optical Applications

Although DNA has been demonstrated as a fascinating functional material, it was toilsome to be fully exploited due to the difficulties in the manipulation of the strand alignment. In this study, DNA alignment was first proposed through electromagnetohydrodynamic deposition as a one-step process. 3D printed microelectromechanical system (MEMS) nozzle was fabricated to electrospray single-strand DNA (ssDNA) diluent, which was aligned by Lorentz force. Linear dichroism absorption was comprehensively enhanced when ssDNA was electrosprayed in magnetic field, which demonstrated DNA alignment. This study paved the way for DNA alignment using electrospray in magnetic field which could be used for optical applications.