NER: DNA Sequence Detection Using Novel Solid-State and Soft Nanopores

该纳米级探索性研究(NER)提案是针对NSE，NSF 02-148而收到的。这个为期一年的项目将开发用于快速DNA测序的新型固态和软纳米孔设备。有人提出，当单链单链DNA分子在电场的驱动下穿过绝缘膜时，通过测量镶嵌在绝缘膜中的纳米尺度孔的离子电导的变化，人们可能能够检测到单个DNA分子的遗传序列。将探索两种新的合成纳米孔的用途：(1)通过使用新的“尖端”概念模制软材料而制成的长度或深度为1 nm的纳米孔；(2)使用硅技术由三个串联的纳米孔组成的集成纳米孔电路。新的实验将被用来研究一个长的单链DNA分子通过纳米孔的微观过程，并探索一种利用两个单链DNA分子之间的氢键效应的新的传感机制。拟议的项目如果成功，可能会极大地推动纳米孔DNA测序技术的发展。这些项目将为研究生和本科生提供在单分子生物物理学这一令人兴奋的新兴领域的研究机会。这些学生将接受最先进的纳米制造技术和单分子生物物理方面的高级培训。该项目得到了数学和物理科学局的材料研究和物理司以及生物科学局的新兴前沿处的联合支持。这个为期一年的项目将探索新一代纳米级传感器--固态纳米孔，用于检测和表征生物分子。纳米孔生物传感器在单分子生物物理的基础研究中显示出巨大的应用前景。这些新设备在疾病控制和反生物恐怖主义方面也可能有用。将探索两种新的合成纳米孔：一种基于最先进的硅技术，另一种基于聚合物材料。拟议的项目如果成功，可能会极大地推动纳米孔DNA测序技术的发展。该项目将为研究生和本科生在一个令人兴奋的新兴单分子生物物理学领域提供研究机会。这些学生将接受最先进的纳米制造技术和单分子生物物理方面的高级培训。该项目由数学和物理科学局的材料研究和物理司以及生物科学局的新兴前沿司联合支助。

This Nanoscale Exploratory Research (NER) proposal was received in response to NSE, NSF 02-148. The one-year project will develop novel solid-state and soft nanopore devices for rapid DNA sequencing. It has been suggested that one may be able to detect genetic sequences in individual DNA molecules by measuring the change in the ionic conductance of a nanometer-scaled pore embedded in an insulating membrane as a single-stranded ssDNA molecule is driven through by an electric field. The use of two types of new synthetic nanopores will be explored: (1) a nanopore with 1 nm in length or depth fabricated by molding soft materials using a novel "cutting-edges" concept; (2) an integrated nanopore circuit consisting of three nanopores in series using silicon technology. Novel experiments will be performed to study the microscopic processes by which a long ssDNA molecule "translocates" through a nanopore, and to explore a new sensing mechanism exploiting the hydrogen-bonding effects between two ssDNA molecules. The proposed projects, if successful, could lead to a great advance in the development of a nanopore DNA sequencing technology. The projects will provide research opportunities for graduate and undergraduate students in an exciting emerging field of single molecule biophysics. The students will receive advanced training in the state-of-the-art nanofabrication technology and single-molecule biophysics. This project is jointly supported by the Divisions of Materials Research and Physics in the Directorate for Mathematical and Physical Sciences, as well as the Division of Emerging Frontiers in the Directorate for Biological SciencesThis Nanoscale Exploratory Research (NER) proposal was received in response to NSE, NSF 02-148. The one-year project will explore a new generation of nanometer-scaled sensors, solid-state nanopores, for detecting and characterization of biological molecules. Nanopore biosensors have shown great promise in basic studies of single-molecule biophysics. These novel devices may also be useful in disease control and in anti-bioterrorism. Two types of new synthetic nanopores will be explored: one based on the state-of-the-art silicon technology, and the other based on polymeric materials. The proposed projects, if successful, could lead to a great advance in the development of a nanopore DNA sequencing technology. The project will provide research opportunities for graduate and undergraduate students in an exciting emerging field of single molecule biophysics. The students will receive advanced training in the state-of-the-art nanofabrication technology and single-molecule biophysics. This project is jointly supported by the Divisions of Materials Research and Physics in the Directorate for Mathematical and Physical Sciences, as well as the Division of Emerging Frontiers in the Directorate for Biological Sciences