Nanoelectrode-Gated Detection of Individual Molecules with Potential for Rapid DNA Sequencing |
| Journal |
Solid State Phenomena (Volumes 121 - 123) |
| Volume |
Nanoscience and Technology |
| Edited by |
Chunli BAI, Sishen XIE, Xing ZHU |
| Pages |
1379-1386 |
| DOI |
10.4028/www.scientific.net/SSP.121-123.1379 |
| Online since |
March, 2007 |
| Authors |
James Weifu Lee
|
| Keywords |
Detection of Single Molecules, DNA Sequencing, Electron-Tunneling Spectroscopy, Nanoelectrode-Gated Molecular Detection, Precision Electrolytic Nanofabrication |
| Abstract |
A systematic nanoelectrode-gated electron-tunneling molecular-detection concept with
potential for rapid DNA sequencing has recently been invented at Oak Ridge National Laboratory
(ORNL). A DNA molecule is a polymer that typically contains four different types of nucleotide
bases: adenine (A), thymine (T), guanine (G), and cytosine (C) on its phosphate-deoxyribose chain.
According to the nanoelectrode-gated molecular-detection concept, it should be possible to obtain
genetic sequence information by probing through a DNA molecule base by base at a nanometer
scale, as if looking at a strip of movie film. The nanoscale reading of DNA sequences is envisioned
to take place at a nanogap (gate) defined by a pair of nanoelectrode tips as a DNA molecule moves
through the gate base by base. The rationale is that sample molecules, such as the four different
nucleotide bases, each with a distinct chemical composition and structure, should produce a specific
perturbation effect on the tunneling electron beam across the two nanoelectrode tips. A sample
molecule could thus be detected when it enters the gate. This nanoscience-based approach could
lead to a new DNA sequencing technology that could be thousands of times faster than the current
technology (Sanger’s “dideoxy” protocol-based capillary electrophoresis systems). Both
computational and experimental studies are underway at ORNL towards demonstrating this
nanotechnology concept. |
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