DNA-functionalized silicon nitride nanopores for sequence-specific recognition of DNA biosensor

Abstract

Nanopores have been proven to be novel and versatile single-molecule sensors for individual unlabeled biopolymer detection and characterization. In the present study, a relatively large silicon nitride (Si 3 N 4) nanopore with a diameter of approximately 60 nm was fabricated successfully using a focused Ga ion beam (FIB). We demonstrated a simple ex situ silanization procedure to control the size and functionality of solid-state nanopores. The presented results show that by varying the silanization time, it is possible to adjust the efficiency of probe molecule attachment, thus shrinking the pore to the chosen size, while introducing selective sensing probes. The functionalization of nanopores was verified by analysis of field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and electrical measurements. Based on this study, we envision that the functionalized silicon nitride nanopores with the DNA probe might provide a biosensing platform for the detection and discrimination of a short single-stranded DNA oligomer of unknown sequences in the future.

Highly multiplexed detection of microRNAs, proteins and small molecules using barcoded molecular probes and nanopore sequencing

“…However, the method generally lacks selectivity. Strategies to address these limitations include chemical modifications of the pore 42, 43, 44, 45 , the use of molecular carriers 46 and the use of electro-optical methods 47, 48 . These methods are excellent for the detection of molecules at very low concentrations without amplification; however, their throughput and multiplexing ability are limited.…”