DNA translocation through single-layer boron nitride nanopores

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Biophysics

Background:

• Ultra-thin nanopores are crucial for high-resolution biological sensing.
• Two-dimensional materials like graphene are explored for nanopore fabrication.
• Boron nitride (BN) presents a novel 2D material alternative for nanopore applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the feasibility of using atomic-thickness boron nitride (BN) for nanopore fabrication.
• To simulate and analyze the dynamics of double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) translocation through BN nanopores.
• To assess the potential of BN nanopores for DNA sequencing applications.

Main Methods:

• All-atom molecular dynamics simulations were employed.
• The translocation of dsDNA through BN nanopores was modeled.
• Ionic current blockages were analyzed to differentiate DNA sequences.

Main Results:

• Boron nitride (BN) nanopores can be fabricated with atomic thickness.
• Distinct double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) sequences were differentiated by ionic current measurements during translocation.
• Poly(A-T)40 exhibited lower current blockage than poly(G-C)40 in BN nanopores, contrasting with graphene.
• dsDNA translocation through BN nanopores was unimpeded, suggesting stall-free movement.

Conclusions:

• Boron nitride (BN) nanopores are suitable for detecting specific DNA sequences.
• The unimpeded translocation of dsDNA in BN nanopores indicates potential for stall-free sequencing devices.
• BN nanopores possess advantageous properties over graphene, including hydrophilicity and non-metallic nature.
• BN nanopores are promising for developing next-generation high-speed, low-cost biological sensors.