Current Applied Physics, Vol.20, No.1, 161-166, 2020
Enhanced functionalities of DNA thin films by facile conjugation with conducting polymers
In this study, we discuss a method to embed PEDOT:PSS into DNA with a designated concentration of PEDOT:PSS and construction of PEDOT:PSS-embedded DNA thin films. In order to shed light on the interaction between PEDOT:PSS and DNA, optical spectroscopy measurements were performed. DNA-PEDOT:PSS thin films showed a broad absorption band around 800 nm which was associated with PEDOT:PSS. The electrical properties of DNA-PEDOT:PSS thin films were assessed. A significant enhancement in current for DNA-PEDOT:PSS thin films DNA was observed which agreed with the decrement in band gap of DNA-PEDOT:PSS thin films. For the energy storage capability and dielectric constant of DNA-PEDOT:PSS thin films, capacitance measurements were conducted. Frequency-dependent capacitance indicated enhancement in the capacitance and dielectric constant by electric polarization of PEDOT:PSS in a DNA thin film. Our approach may assist in development of various biosensors and electronic devices with specific functionalities based on biomaterials and conducing polymer complexes.