ABSTRACT

The present chapter explains the electrical properties of DNA from

the viewpoint of ion transfer, which is an important feature of bio-

tissue materials. The fuel cell application in Chapter 13 is developed

on the basis of the characteristic features in the ionic conduction of

DNA. Based on the investigation of ion transports using impedance

analysis and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) measurement,

the proton conductivity of DNA under humidified conditions is

revealed. Impedance analysis indicates that water bridges play an

important role in the appearance of proton conductivity. Moreover, 2D-DNA and DNA-Na also become ionic conductors under humid-

ified conditions. The chapter also describes the process of water

bridge formation and the role of deuterons and Na ions in ionic

conductivity.