Single-molecule measurement of strand breaks on large DNA induced by atmospheric pressure plasma jet

We report a single-molecule-based analysis of strand breakages on large DNA molecules induced by an atmospheric pressure plasma jet. We exposed DNA solution to an argon plasma jet; single-molecule observation that involved molecular combing was then used to measure the length of individual DNA molecules. The measured DNA length showed that plasma exposure caused a marked change in length of DNA molecules. The rate of plasma-induced strand breakage on large random-coiled DNA molecules was determined using a simple mathematical model. For strand breaks on large DNA molecules the rate was estimated. (C) 2011 American Institute of Physics. [doi: 10.1063/1.3660581]