2D-material nanopores as a new playground for physics and engineering

Wednesday, 28 September 2016, at 11:15 in Y36 J33

Next generation sequencing methods based on nanopore technology have recently gained considerable attention, mainly because they promise affordable and fast genome sequencing by providing long read-lengths (5kbp) and do not require additional DNA amplification or enzymatic incorporation of modified nucleotides. During the DNA translocation, the ionic current is partially blocked, leading to a reduction in the current and allowing differentiation between the four different nucleotides. The amplitude and duration of these blockades depend on
the length and width of the translocating polymer.
Although single nucleotide identification and DNA sequencing using biological pores have already been demonstrated their fragility, difficulties related to measuring pA-range ionic currents together with their dependence on biochemical reagents, make solid state nanopores an attractive alternative.
In this talk I will address novel applications that address identification of single nucleotides but as well go beyond DNA sequencing. We use novel solid state nanopore platform based on atomically thin nanopore membranes in 2D materials such as graphene or molybdenum disulfide for DNA detection, sequencing, water desalination and osmotic power generation.