NER: A novel Lab-on-Tip nanomechanical platform for single molecule DNA sequencing

NER：用于单分子DNA测序的新型尖端实验室纳米机械平台该提案是响应纳米科学与工程倡议，NSF 05-610，类别NER而收到的。 本研究的目的是开发一种新型的具有集成纳米孔的尖端实验室纳米机械平台，用于单分子DNA测序。 该方法是基于DNA核苷酸之间的不同解结合力。 当目标单链DNA分子穿过纳米级孔时，将产生不同的皮牛顿水平的力。 然后，尖端实验室设备检测到这种力，该设备是使用最先进的微米和纳米制造技术开发的。 因此，可以通过监测单链DNA分子穿过纳米级孔时的力来获得DNA序列。 这项拟议中的研究有可能实现一种革命性的新DNA测序方法，并在五年内以10万美元的价格对整个人类基因组进行测序的竞争中处于领先地位，十年内以1,000美元的价格进行测序。因此，由于DNA测序在各种生物医学研究和实际应用中发挥着至关重要的作用，这种高风险/高回报的研究可能会带来显着的社会效益。 研究将通过跨学科课程与教育有效结合。 PI还致力于扩大代表性不足群体的参与。

NER: A novel Lab-on-Tip nanomechanical platform for single molecule DNA sequencing This proposal was received in response to Nanoscale Science and Engineering initiative, NSF 05-610, category NER. The objective of this research is to develop a novel Lab-on-Tip nanomechanical platform with an integrated nanoscale pore for single molecule DNA sequencing. The approach is based on the different unbinding forces between DNA nucleotides. As the target single stranded DNA molecule passes through the nanoscale pore, different pico-Newton level forces will be generated. This force is then detected by the Lab-on-Tip device, which is developed using state-of-the-art micro- and nano-fabrication techniques. Therefore, the DNA sequence can be obtained by monitoring the forces as the single stranded DNA molecule traverses the nanoscale pore. The proposed research has the potential to realize a revolutionary new DNA sequencing method and be a leader in the race to sequence whole human genome for $100,000 in five years, and for $1,000 in a decade. Therefore, this high risk/high return research is likely to bring significant societal benefits because of the crucial roles played by DNA sequencing in various biomedical researches and practical applications. The research will be effectively integrated with education through interdisciplinary courses. The PI is also committed to broaden the participation of underrepresented groups.