Label-free imaging of DNA interactions with 2D materials

Two-dimensional (2D) materials offer potential as substrates for biosensing devices, as their properties can be engineered to tune interactions between the surface and biomolecules. Yet, not many methods can measure these interactions in a liquid environment without introducing labeling agents such as fluorophores. In this work, we harness interferometric scattering (iSCAT) microscopy, a label-free imaging technique, to investigate the interactions of single molecules of long dsDNA with 2D materials. The millisecond temporal resolution of iSCAT allows us to capture the transient interactions and to observe the dynamics of unlabeled DNA binding to a hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) surface in solution for extended periods (including a fraction of 10%, of trajectories lasting longer than 110 ms). Using a Focused Ion Beam (FIB) technique to engineer defects, we find that DNA binding affinity is enhanced at defects; when exposed to long lanes, DNA binds preferentially at lane edges. Overall, we demonstrate that iSCAT imaging is a useful tool to study how biomolecules interact with 2D materials, a key component in engineering future biosensors.