Nanoelectrode-Gated Detection of Individual Molecules with Potential for Rapid DNA Sequencing
- ORNL
A systematic nanoelectrode-gated electron-tunneling molecular-detection concept with potential for rapid DNA sequencing has recently been invented at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). A DNA molecule is a polymer that typically contains four different types of nucleotide bases: adenine (A), thymine (T), guanine (G), and cytosine (C) on its phosphate-deoxyribose chain. According to the nanoelectrode-gated molecular-detection concept, it should be possible to obtain genetic sequence information by probing through a DNA molecule base by base at a nanometer scale, as if looking at a strip of movie film. The nanoscale reading of DNA sequences is envisioned to take place at a nanogap (gate) defined by a pair of nanoelectrode tips as a DNA molecule moves through the gate base by base. The rationale is that sample molecules, such as the four different nucleotide bases, each with a distinct chemical composition and structure, should produce a specific perturbation effect on the tunneling electron beam across the two nanoelectrode tips. A sample molecule could thus be detected when it enters the gate. This nanoscience-based approach could lead to a new DNA sequencing technology that could be thousands of times faster than the current technology (Sanger's 'dideoxy' protocol-based capillary electrophoresis systems). Both computational and experimental studies are underway at ORNL towards demonstrating this nanotechnology concept.
- Research Organization:
- Oak Ridge National Lab. (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- Work for Others (WFO)
- DOE Contract Number:
- DE-AC05-00OR22725
- OSTI ID:
- 931919
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: ChinaNano 2005 (China International Conference on Nanoscience and Technology), Beijing, China, 20050609, 20050611
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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