Nanoelectrode-Gated Detection of Individual Molecules with Potential for Rapid DNA Sequencing

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.

• Periodical: Solid State Phenomena (Volumes 121-123)
• Pages: 1379-1386
• DOI: https://doi.org/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

References

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