Development of an Electron Tunneling Based Nanochannel System for DNA Sequencing

本项目的目标是设计和制造一种用于DNA测序的嵌入纳米电极的硅纳米通道系统。测序原理是基于检测单链DNA在纳米通道中转移时单个核苷酸的电子隧穿特性。纳米沟道将基于MEMS微细加工和AFM纳米光刻技术制造。该计划的智能优点是将最新的DNA传感原理与先进的AFM技术相结合，实现了一种能够提供快速和特异检测的无标记测序设备。这种快速DNA测序技术的发展具有变革性。该项目将探索几个新的领域，如纳米流体通道的AFM加工，DNA电子隧道灵敏度的优化，以及功能化纳米电极对DNA碱基的专一性。拟议项目的结果预计将影响基于纳米流体的纳米医学系统的未来设计。该计划的更广泛影响是生物纳米技术知识的进步，以及生物医学研究和临床诊断的重要工具的开发。此外，拟议的研究还将为参与该项目的学生带来多样化的学习经验，他们将有一个难得的机会在纳米制造和DNA加工方面进行交叉培训。该项目开发的制造技术和配方有望极大地增强阿肯色大学多用户洁净室设施在MEMS、BioMEMS和NEMS等领域的核心能力。

The objective of this program is to design and fabricate a silicon nanochannel system with embedded nanoelectrodes for DNA sequencing. The sequencing principle is based on detecting the electron tunneling property of individual nucleotides of a single-stranded DNA as it translocates through a nanochannel. The nanochannel will be fabricated based on MEMS microfabrication and AFM nanolithography. The intellectual merit of the program is the integration of the latest DNA sensing principle with advanced AFM techniques in realizing a label-free sequencing device that can provide fast and specific detection. The development of this rapid DNA sequencing technique is transformative. The proposed project will explore several novel areas such as AFM machining of nanofluidic channels, optimization of DNA electron tunneling sensitivity, and specificity of functionalized nanoelectrodes towards DNA bases. Results of the proposed project are expected to impact future designs of nanofluidic based nanomedicine systems. The broader impacts of the program are the advancement of the knowledge of bionanotechnology and the development of an important tool for both biomedical research and clinical diagnostics. Additionally, the proposed research will also generate diversified learning experience for students involved in the project, who will have a rare opportunity to be cross-trained in nanofabrication and DNA processing. The fabrication techniques and recipes developed by the project are expected to greatly enhance the core capability of the multi-user cleanroom facility at the University of Arkansas in areas such as MEMS, BioMEMS, and NEMS.