Coherent spin transport in a DNA molecule

作者：Matsuura, Yukihito^*

来源：Chemical Physics, 2020, 528: UNSP 110537.

DOI：10.1016/j.chemphys.2019.110537

• CHARGE-TRANSFER
• ELECTRON
• CONDUCTANCE
• SELECTIVITY
• RESISTANCE
• DAMAGE

Coherent spin transport in a DNA molecule has been examined using a first principles calculation. In the calculated model, a B-form double strand (ds) (5'-CGCG AATTCGCG-3') (Dickerson-Drew duplex) was located between ferromagnetic nickel electrodes and spin transport was calculated under two relative magnetic configurations of electrodes: parallel and antiparallel alignments. As a result, the molecule was too long to demonstrate an efficient coherent spin transport. Short DNA molecules of ds(5'-CGCG-3') and ds(5'-AATT-3'), which were cut out from the Dickerson-Drew duplex, showed similar results. On the contrary, stacking nucleic acids (A-stacking) of ds(5'-CGCG-3') or ds(5'-AATT-3') resulted in an efficient coherent spin transport sufficient to cause spin polarization and a certain difference in conductance by varying the magnetic configuration of ferromagnetic electrodes. This result suggested the possibility of tunnel magnetoresistance in the short pi-stacking part of a DNA molecule.