Tunneling Properties of Large Molecules

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This study aimed at the elucidation of tunneling properties of bio/organic molecules and structures which are generally known to be electrically non-conductive.1 We were successful in imaging organic hydrocarbons with functional groups such as amine, carboxyl, anilide, alcohol, carbonyl, aryl, phenyl, cholestryl groups. The success opened a way to identify individual molecules by their functional groups in their mixed mono-layrs over the metal surface. Theoretical results of molecular orbital calculation of the intramolecular states of the electrons were applied to rationalize experimental identifications of such molecules.2 Scanning tunneling and atomic force microscopes were used in imaging proteins and nucleic acids. Regular arrays of adsorbed proteins on a metal surface were studied with an aim to cultivate useful methods for the creation of functional monolayr surfaces. The four bases that make up the genomic DNA were identified uder tunneling microscope with the help of calculated electron distribution.3 Methods of manipulation and engineering biomolecules and functional structures using atomic force microscope were developed. Stretching experiment of individual protein molecules and manipulation of the human genomic DNA in the chromosomes were successfully done.