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Durable, Stable, and Functional Nanopores Decorated by Self-Assembled Dipeptides
Abeer Karmi1, Gowri Priya Sakala1, Dvir Rotem1
1Institute of Chemistry and The Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 91904, Israel.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|March 5, 2020
Summary
Surface modification of silicon nitride nanopores using dipeptides enhances their durability and stability for single-molecule analysis. This peptide coating improves sensor performance and controls molecule translocation, extending nanopore lifetime significantly.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Biotechnology
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Nanopores are crucial for single-molecule detection and analysis.
- Surface modification of nanopores enhances their performance and durability.
- Peptides offer versatile surface functionalization due to their tunable sequences.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a robust surface modification strategy for solid-state nanopores using peptides.
- To improve the durability, efficiency, and sensing capabilities of nanopores.
- To investigate the effect of peptide coating on molecule translocation dynamics.
Main Methods:
- Silicon nitride nanopores were coated with a dipeptide layer.
- The dipeptide incorporated L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA) as an anchoring residue.
- Surface functionalization was achieved through a one-step immersion process.
Main Results:
- Coated nanopore lifetime increased from hours to months.
- Significant improvement in current stability was observed compared to uncoated pores.
- Peptide coating controlled surface wettability and charge, enhancing sensor sensitivity.
- Dipeptide coating slowed down double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) translocation.
Conclusions:
- Dipeptide surface modification provides a durable and efficient method for enhancing nanopore functionality.
- Peptide-coated nanopores serve as tunable, sensitive sensors for molecular analysis.
- The developed method offers a simple, one-step approach for robust nanopore functionalization.
