title: Graphene nanopore devices for DNA sensing.
abstract: We describe here a method for detecting the translocation of individual DNA molecules through nanopores created in graphene membranes. The devices consist of 1-5-nm thick graphene membranes with electron-beam sculpted nanopores from 5 to 10 nm in diameter. Due to the thin nature of the graphene membranes, and the reduced electrical resistance, we observe larger blocked currents than for traditional solid-state nanopores. We also show how ionic current noise levels can be reduced with the atomic-layer deposition of a few nanometers of titanium dioxide over the graphene surface. Unlike traditional solid-state nanopore materials that are insulating, graphene is an excellent electrical conductor, and its use opens the door to a new future class of nanopore devices in which electronic sensing and control is performed directly at the pore.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
authors.forename: Chris A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Merchant
authors.forename: Marija
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Drndić
mesh_terms: D001483:Base Sequence; D004247:DNA / Q000737:chemistry*; D017097:Electric Impedance; D006108:Graphite / Q000737:chemistry*; D046210:Microfluidic Analytical Techniques; D058608:Nanopores / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D017422:Sequence Analysis, DNA / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D059629:Signal-To-Noise Ratio; D017655:Silicon Compounds / Q000737:chemistry; D017155:Wettability
chemical_list: D017655:Silicon Compounds; D006108:Graphite; D004247:DNA; C032734:silicon nitride