DNA-graphene interactions during translocation through nanogaps.
We study how double-stranded DNA translocates through graphene nanogaps. Nanogaps are fabricated with a novel capillary-force induced graphene nanogap formation technique. DNA translocation signatures for nanogaps are qualitatively different from those obtained with circular nanopores, owing to the distinct shape of the gaps discussed here. Translocation time and conductance values vary by ∼ 100%, which we suggest are caused by local gap width variations. We also observe exponentially relaxing current traces. We suggest that slow relaxation of the graphene membrane following DNA translocation may be responsible. We conclude that DNA-graphene interactions are important, and need to be considered for graphene-nanogap based devices. This work further opens up new avenues for direct read of single molecule activitities, and possibly sequencing.
Department of Physics and Astronomy, California State University Northridge, Northridge, California, United States of America.
Hiral N
HN
Patel
Department of Physics and Astronomy, California State University Northridge, Northridge, California, United States of America.
Ian
I
Carroll
Department of Physics and Astronomy, California State University Northridge, Northridge, California, United States of America.
Rodolfo
R
Lopez
Department of Physics and Astronomy, California State University Northridge, Northridge, California, United States of America.
Sandeep
S
Sankararaman
Department of Physics and Astronomy, California State University Northridge, Northridge, California, United States of America.
Charles
C
Etienne
Department of Physics and Astronomy, California State University Northridge, Northridge, California, United States of America.
Subba Ramaiah
SR
Kodigala
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia, United States of America.
Mark R
MR
Paul
Department of Physics and Astronomy, California State University Northridge, Northridge, California, United States of America.
Henk W Ch
http://orcid.org/0000-0003-4349-9406
HW
Postma
D004247:DNA / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D006108:Graphite / Q000737:chemistry*; D058608:Nanopores
D006108:Graphite; D004247:DNA