DNA Translocation through Graphene Nanopores

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates the fabrication and use of ultrathin graphene nanopores for DNA translocation, showing potential for improved genomic screening due to their minimal channel length.

Contribution

It introduces a method to create single-atom-thick graphene nanopores for DNA translocation, offering a significant reduction in pore length compared to traditional solid-state and biological pores.

Findings

Observed characteristic conductance changes during DNA translocation

Successfully fabricated graphene nanopores using electron beam drilling

Set the stage for future genomic screening applications

Abstract

Nanopores -- nanosized holes that can transport ions and molecules -- are very promising devices for genomic screening, in particular DNA sequencing. Both solid-state and biological pores suffer from the drawback, however, that the channel constituting the pore is long, viz. 10-100 times the distance between two bases in a DNA molecule (0.5 nm for single-stranded DNA). Here, we demonstrate that it is possible to realize and use ultrathin nanopores fabricated in graphene monolayers for single-molecule DNA translocation. The pores are obtained by placing a graphene flake over a microsize hole in a silicon nitride membrane and drilling a nanosize hole in the graphene using an electron beam. As individual DNA molecules translocate through the pore, characteristic temporary conductance changes are observed in the ionic current through the nanopore, setting the stage for future genomic screening.