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Integrating nanopore sensors within microfluidic channel arrays using controlled breakdown
Radin Tahvildari1, Eric Beamish, Vincent Tabard-Cossa
1Department of Physics, University of Ottawa, 150 Louis Pasteur, K1N 6N5, Canada.
Lab on a Chip
|January 30, 2015
Summary
Controlled dielectric breakdown fabricates scalable, addressable nanopore arrays in microfluidic devices. This method precisely localizes nanopore creation, reducing noise for sensitive DNA and protein detection.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Biophysics
Background:
- Nanopore sensing offers high-resolution analysis of single molecules.
- Scalable and reliable fabrication of nanopore devices remains a challenge.
- Integration of nanopores into microfluidic systems enhances control and reduces noise.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a scalable fabrication method for independently addressable nanopore arrays.
- To demonstrate the utility of these nanopore arrays for molecular detection.
- To improve the signal-to-noise ratio in nanopore sensing applications.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of solid-state membranes within polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) microfluidic devices.
- Utilizing controlled dielectric breakdown (CBD) for precise nanopore formation.
- Confining the electric field within the microfluidic architecture during fabrication.
Main Results:
- Successfully fabricated scalable arrays of independently addressable nanopores.
- Demonstrated precise localization of nanopore fabrication via CBD.
- Significantly reduced electrical noise through microfluidic integration.
- Validated the sensing platform by detecting both DNA and protein molecules.
Conclusions:
- Controlled dielectric breakdown is an effective technique for scalable nanopore array fabrication.
- Microfluidic integration enhances nanopore fabrication precision and reduces noise.
- The developed platform shows promise for sensitive and high-throughput molecular detection.
