Preparation of Mica and Silicon Substrates for DNA Origami Analysis and ExperimentationMichelle A. Pillers 1, Rebecca Shute 1, Adam Farchone 2, Keenan P. Linder 3, Rose Doerfler 2, Corey Gavin 4, Valerie Goss 3, Marya Lieberman 1
1Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, 2Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame, 3Department of Chemistry, Physics, and Engineering Studies, Chicago State University, 4Department of Technology, Ivy Tech Community College, South Bend, Indiana
Reproducible cleaning processes for substrates used in DNA origami research are described, including bench-top RCA cleaning and derivatization of silicon oxide. Protocols for surface preparation, DNA origami deposition, drying parameters, and simple experimental set-ups are illustrated.