Enhanced Pulley Effect for Translocation: The Interplay of Electrostatic and Hydrodynamic Forces

Area of Science:

• Nanotechnology
• Genomics
• Biophysics

Background:

• Solid-state nanopore sensors are crucial for genome sequencing.
• High-resolution sequencing demands single-file polymer translocation through nanopores.
• A pulley effect mechanism was previously identified in pressure-driven translocation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the pulley effect in a system combining pressure-driven fluid flow and an opposing electrostatic field.
• To enhance single-file capture probability for polymers in nanopore sequencing.
• To optimize parameters for maximizing capture efficiency.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing hydrodynamic flow to drive polymer translocation.
• Employing oppositely charged electrostatic square loops to generate an opposing force.
• Systematically varying force location, force strength, and flow rate to optimize capture probability.

Main Results:

• The pulley effect was successfully applied in a combined flow and electrostatic field system.
• Single-file capture probability was significantly amplified.
• Capture efficiency increased from approximately 50% to nearly 95% through parameter optimization.

Conclusions:

• Balancing hydrodynamic and electrostatic forces is effective in enhancing single-file capture for nanopore sequencing.
• Optimized force and flow conditions can dramatically improve polymer capture efficiency.
• This approach offers a promising strategy for advancing genome sequencing technologies.