Transverse Detection of DNA Using a MoS₂ Nanopore

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Biophysics

Background:

• Classical nanopore sensing uses ionic current, but access resistance limits spatial resolution.
• An alternative electronic readout could offer better temporal resolution.
• Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) is a promising material for electronic sensing applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and fabricate an electrically contacted MoS2 nanoribbon integrated with a nanopore.
• To investigate a novel sensing scheme for single molecules using correlated ionic and transverse currents.
• To explore field-effect sensing mechanisms for direct molecular charge detection.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of freestanding MoS2 nanoribbons with integrated metal contacts.
• Integration of MoS2 nanoribbons with a nanopore device.
• Simultaneous measurement of ionic current through the nanopore and transverse current through the MoS2 nanoribbon during molecule translocation.

Main Results:

• Successful fabrication of electrically contacted MoS2 nanoribbons integrated with nanopores.
• Detection of DNA molecules via correlated signals from both ionic and transverse currents.
• Evidence supporting a field-effect sensing mechanism where the nanoribbon directly senses molecular charge.

Conclusions:

• The developed MoS2-nanopore device enables a novel field-effect sensing scheme for enhanced molecular detection.
• This approach overcomes the spatial resolution limitations of traditional ionic current-based nanopore sensing.
• The fabrication process for MoS2 nanoribbons is reliable, paving the way for advanced biosensing applications.