Scanning Probe Microscope Lithography of Silicon Using a Combination of a Carbon Nanotube Tip and a Polysilane Film as a Mask

Abstract

The effect of nanomaterials on biological reactions has received much attention. We report herein that silicon nanowires (SiNWs) inhibit the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The inhibitory effect was found to be concentration-dependent, with a minimum inhibitory concentration of about 0.4 mg ml −1 . DNA polymerase, restriction endonucleases, lysozyme and horseradish peroxidase maintained their bioactivities after exposure to SiNWs. Also the interaction of SiNWs with primers and dNTP did not lead to decreased PCR yield. Compared to primers and dNTP, template DNA showed 4.7-10.5-fold greater adsorption on SiNWs. Template bound to SiNWs was ineffective in the PCR, whereas addition of free template to the PCR system increased the yield. The results of this work suggest that the inhibitory effect of SiNWs on the PCR was due to the selective adsorption of double-stranded DNA on SiNWs, thereby decreasing the availability of template for the reaction.

The Advancement of SPM-Based Nanolithography

“…For the most part of these SPL experiments that are conveniently done in ambient atmosphere, ambient relative humidity of main factors in affecting experimental results involving tip shape, tunneling Advances in Materials Manufacturing Science and Technology 354 current or emission current, tip-sample bias, scanning speed, and relative humidity, is proved to be a crucial one that not only points to a electrochemical mechanism in nature [8] but also affects drastically an aspect ratio of written patterns, i.e. a lithographic resolution [9].…”

Electron holographic studies of irradiation damage in BaTiO3

“…This fact limits further application of the electro-ceramic devices. By contrast, in a field of Si-based devices, machining and modifying techniques around several ten-nanometre scales are generally and practically used to realize highly densified packages [6,7]. In addition, the scale of fabrication is approaching the few nanometre scale.…”