Ultra-Fast Bio-Molecule Detection based on Radio-Frequency Nano-Pore and Nano-Channel Circuits

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Nanopore (NP) based molecule detection is one of the emerging techniques in the field of applied bio-physics. However, due to the lack of radio-frequency (RF) measurement techniques single molecule characterization at high speed is still not established. Here, we will introduce a novel high-speed measurement technique to this field with GHz-bandwidth employing RF-reflectometry as the next generation readout mechanism. NPs already became a viable und highly functional platform for molecule detection and characterization for large bio-molecules. In our proposed work we want to expand the functionality of NP on-chip devices to the RF-range. We then want to combine our expertise in integrated electronic and micro-fluidic circuitry with nano-channel (NC) based molecule detection. This approach has several advantages in that it allows for ‘easy’ integration of nanoelectronic circuit elements in close proximity to the translocating DNA-strand. This is exactly what our RF-based readout electronics require, i.e. truly nanoscale electrodes (1 – 2nm width) for signal pick-up and some ‘real estate’ surrounding the signal zone in order to place other elements. As will be described in the proposal we are currently able to trace RF-signals for sub-micron sized pores, so that we can take our approach one step further by embedding a nanoelectronic RF-oscillator circuit in a NC setup. In addition this setup enables full optical access and a high degree of parallel processing.