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Updated: May 15, 2025
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Fine-tuning the Size and Minimizing the Noise of Solid-state Nanopores
Published on: October 31, 2013
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Detecting DNA translocation through a nanopore using a van der Waals heterojunction diode.
Sihan Chen1, Siyuan Huang2, Jangyup Son2
1Holonyak Micro and Nanotechnology Laboratory, The Grainger College of Engineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801.
Summary
Researchers developed a new nanopore sensor using 2D heterostructures for out-of-plane DNA sensing. This breakthrough enables precise control and detection of single DNA molecules, advancing DNA sequencing technology.
Area of Science:
- Nanotechnology
- Materials Science
- Biophysics
Background:
- Achieving out-of-plane electrical control of DNA during translocation in solid-state nanopores is crucial for DNA sequencing.
- Two-dimensional (2D) heterostructures offer precise atomic-layer control for constructing out-of-plane electronics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate a novel nanopore architecture for out-of-plane electrical sensing and control of DNA.
- To explore the use of 2D heterojunctions as electrical sensing membranes for biomolecule translocation.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a nanopore using a vertical 2D heterojunction diode (p-type WSe2 on n-type MoS2).
- Characterization of rectified interlayer tunneling currents modulated by ionic potential.
- Concurrent detection of DNA translocation using ionic and diode currents.
Main Results:
- The 2D heterojunction diode exhibited rectified interlayer tunneling currents influenced by ionic potential.
- Ionic transport through the nanopore was reciprocally rectified by the heterojunction potential.
- Demonstrated a 2.3-fold electrostatic slowing of DNA translocation speed.
- Encapsulation layers improved stability and durability while maintaining sensing resolution.
Conclusions:
- Established a new paradigm for out-of-plane electrical sensing of single biomolecules using 2D heterostructures.
- The developed nanopore architecture enables concurrent ionic and diode current detection of DNA translocation.
- This approach paves the way for advanced DNA sequencing technologies.
