Self-Limited Formation of Bowl-Shaped Nanopores for Directional DNA Translocation

Solid-state nanopores of on-demand dimensions and shape can facilitate desired sensor functions. However, reproducible fabrication of arrayed nanopores of predefined dimensions remains challenging despite numerous techniques explored. Here, bowl-shaped nanopores combining properties of ultrathin membrane and tapering geometry are manufactured using a self-limiting process developed on the basis of standard silicon technology. The upper opening of the bowl-nanopores is 60-120 nm in diameter, and the bottom orifice reaches sub-5 nm. Current-voltage characteristics of the fabricated bowl-nanopores display insignificant rectification indicating weak ionic selectivity, in accordance to numerical simulations showing minor differences in electric field and ionic velocity upon the reversal of bias voltages. Simulations reveal, concomitantly, high-momentum electroosmotic flow downward along the concave nanopore sidewall. Collisions between the left and right tributaries over the bottom orifice drive the electroosmotic flow both up into the nanopore and down out of the nanopore through the orifice. The resultant asymmetry in electrophoretic-electroosmotic force is considered the cause responsible for the experimentally observed strong directionality in λ-DNA translocation with larger amplitude, longer duration, and higher frequencies for the downward movements from the upper opening than the upward ones from the orifice. Thus, the resourceful silicon nanofabrication technology is shown to enable nanopore designs toward enriching sensor applications.