DNA Translocation through Graphene Nanopores

• Published in: Nano letters 2010-08, Vol.10 (8), p.2915-2921
• Main Authors: Merchant, Christopher A, Healy, Ken, Wanunu, Meni, Ray, Vishva, Peterman, Neil, Bartel, John, Fischbein, Michael D, Venta, Kimberly, Luo, Zhengtang, Johnson, A. T. Charlie, Drndić, Marija
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Biological Transport; Condensed matter: structure, mechanical and thermal properties; Cross-disciplinary physics: materials science; rheology; DNA - chemistry; Exact sciences and technology; Fullerenes and related materials; diamonds, graphite; Low-dimensional structures (superlattices, quantum well structures, multilayers): structure, and nonelectronic properties; Materials science; Membranes, Artificial; Nanostructures; Physics; Specific materials; Surfaces and interfaces; thin films and whiskers (structure and nonelectronic properties)
• ISSN: 1530-6984; 1530-6992
• DOI: 10.1021/nl101046t

We report on DNA translocations through nanopores created in graphene membranes. Devices consist of 1−5 nm thick graphene membranes with electron-beam sculpted nanopores from 5 to 10 nm in diameter. Due to the thin nature of the graphene membranes, we observe larger blocked currents than for traditional solid-state nanopores. However, ionic current noise levels are several orders of magnitude larger than those for silicon nitride nanopores. These fluctuations are reduced with the atomic-layer deposition of 5 nm of titanium dioxide over the device. Unlike traditional solid-state nanopore materials that are insulating, graphene is an excellent electrical conductor. Use of graphene as a membrane material opens the door to a new class of nanopore devices in which electronic sensing and control are performed directly at the pore.