J Math Chem 51, 278–288 (2013)

ISSN: 0259-9791, SCI

Temperature phase transition model for the DNA-CNTs-based nanotweezers

Anh D. Phan, Lilia M. Woods, N. A. Viet

DNA and Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have unique physical, mechanical and electronic properties that make them revolutionary materials for advances in technology. In state-of-the-art applications, these physical properties can be exploited to design a type of bio-nanorobot. In this paper, we present the behavior of DNAbased nanotweezers and show the capabilities of controlling this robotic device. The theoretical calculations are based on the Peyrard-Bishop model for DNA dynamics. Furthermore, the influence of the van derWaals force between two CNTs on the opening and closing of nanotweezers is studied in comparison with the stretching forces of DNA.

DOI: 10.1007/s10910-012-0082-y