

Nonlinear Flexoelectric Model for Nanomechanical Analysis of Double-Stranded DNA Chips
Abstract
Nonlinear flexoelectric effect in double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) chips is studied. Based on nonlinear Poisson-Boltzmann equation (NLPB) and flexoelectric theory of liquid crystal thin films, the relation among dsDNA molecule structure feature, salt solution concentration and biofilm electrostatic potential, chip macroscopic deflection is formulated with the help of Fogolari’s modified formula. The hybridization parameters are obtained by curve fitting based on Wu’s experimental data. The linear and nonlinear predictions for chip deflection are compared.
Keywords
DNA chip; electrostatic potential; deflection; flexoelectric effect; nonlinear Poisson-Boltzmann equationText