Highly Sensitive and Selective DNA Sequencing Device Using Metal Adatom Adsorption on 2D Phosphorene

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Biophysics

Background:

• Two-dimensional (2D) materials enhance traditional nanopore/nanogap DNA sequencing.
• Improving sensitivity and specificity in nanopore DNA sequencing remains a challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To theoretically investigate transition-metal elements (Cr, Fe, Co, Ni, Au) on black phosphorene (BP) for all-electronic DNA sequencing.
• To assess the potential of these materials for enhanced DNA base detection.

Main Methods:

• First-principles calculations were employed to study electronic properties.
• Adsorption energies of nucleobases on doped black phosphorene were analyzed.

Main Results:

• Spin-polarized band structures were observed in Cr-, Fe-, Co-, and Au-doped BP.
• Co, Fe, and Cr doping significantly enhanced nucleobase adsorption energy, increasing signal and reducing noise.
• Cr-doped BP exhibited a distinct adsorption order (C > A > G > T), improving base recognition accuracy.

Conclusions:

• Transition-metal doped black phosphorene, particularly Cr-doped BP, shows potential for highly sensitive and selective electronic DNA sequencing.
• This approach could overcome current limitations in DNA sequencing sensitivity and specificity.