Development of a low cost solid-state nanopore fabrication method

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Nanopores are nanometer-scale holes embedded in thin insulating membranes. They provide a confined space within which single molecules can be captured and electrically interrogated at high throughput. Following 15 years of active research, nanopore-based sensors have emerged as the leading candidate for the next-generation of rapid, low-cost DNA sequencing technologies. The vision is that a nanopore would directly read the sequence of nucleotides from a strand of genomic DNA without any enzymatic amplifications, or use of labels. This achievement would place nanopore-based DNA sequencing as the cornerstone of personalized medicine, allowing for inexpensive (<$1,000), rapid (<24h) sequencing of an entire human genome. Nanopore-based technologies are also expected to have a significant impact as a tool used in disease diagnostic applications, including screening protein biomarkers, or profiling microRNA expression. However, the major barrier to the commercialization of nanopore-based technologies is the complexity and cost associated with the fabrication of solid-state nanopores. We have discovered a novel method to reliably create sub-10-nm nanopores. The method developed is simple, low-cost and amenable to mass-fabrication, a major step forward compared to current fabrication methods involving high-energy beam of particles. In this proposal, together with our industrial partner, we intend to explore the full potential of this new nanofabrication method, and demonstrate that it addresses the demanding specifications required in biomedical diagnostic applications. The technology developed will provide Canadian manufacturing industry with a competitive advantage in the production of solid-state nanopore technologies. In addition, this project will offer valuable multidisciplinary training to a number of highly qualified personnel, in a variety of areas including nanofabrication, fluidics, and biosensing, which meet the demands of our high-tech biomedical industry. This will help ensure that Canada remains competitive in this sector by strengthening our knowledge-based economy.