Elucidating the structure of DNA linkers tethered to electrode surfaces

Recent results have pointed to an unexpected role of DNA as a possible agent for electron transfer. This could be crucial in understanding the purpose of DNA in bacterial biofilms, in which electron transfer from the cells to external acceptors (such as an electrode surface) is essential for the wellbeing and survival of the biofilm. However, the ability of DNA to conduct is thought to be strongly linked to its structure, and it is unclear how this may be affected by external conditions such as applied potential, or the presence and binding of small redox molecules. This proposal aims to study tethered DNA layers at electrode surfaces to model these more complex systems. Neutron reflectometry will allow us an unprecedented opportunity to monitor the structure and how it changes in situ during the electron-transfer processes of interest.