Sizing DNA using a nanometer-diameter pore.

Jiunn B. Heng, Chuen Ho, Taekyung Kim, Rolf Timp, Aleksij Aksimentiev, Yelena V. Grinkova, Stephen Sligar, Klaus Schulten, Gregory Timp

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Each species from bacteria to human has a distinct genetic fingerprint. Therefore, a mechanism that detects a single molecule of DNA represents the ultimate analytical tool. As a first step in the development of such a tool, we have explored using a nanometer-diameter pore, sputtered in a nanometer-thick inorganic membrane with a tightly focused electron beam, as a transducer that detects single molecules of DNA and produces an electrical signature of the structure. When an electric field is applied across the membrane, a DNA molecule immersed in electrolyte is attracted to the pore, blocks the current through it, and eventually translocates across the membrane as verified unequivocally by gel electrophoresis. The relationship between DNA translocation and blocking current has been established through molecular dynamics simulations. By measuring the duration and magnitude of the blocking current transient, we can discriminate single-stranded from double-stranded DNA and resolve the length of the polymer.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)2905-2911
Number of pages7
JournalBiophysical journal
Volume87
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 2004

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Biophysics

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