In the rapidly evolving field of genome sequencing technology, researchers are continuously striving to develop faster, more efficient, and cost-effective methods and tools. According to a report from the Physicist Organization Network on October 30, scientists at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign have introduced a groundbreaking technique: sandwiching graphene nanoribbons (GNR) between two layers with nanopores. This innovative setup allows DNA molecules to pass through the "sandwich" structure, enabling the detection and identification of individual DNA base pairs as they traverse the device.
The DNA sensor developed by the team is based on a graphene field-effect transistor (FET) that can detect the rotational and positional characteristics of DNA strands. The core of this innovation lies in the unique electrical properties of graphene. By manipulating various factors such as the edge geometry, carrier concentration, and nanopore placement, the researchers can fine-tune the conductivity and sensitivity of the GNRs, making them highly responsive to molecular interactions.
"In this field, most current research relies heavily on computational modeling," noted Professor Jean-Pierre Leberton. He explained that while density functional theory (DFT) is widely used to study electronic structures in solid-state systems, it has limitations when applied to hybrid solid-liquid environments. DFT often assumes idealized conditions, such as uniform widths and regular edges for GNRs, as well as simplified assumptions about electrolyte interactions—conditions that do not always reflect real-world scenarios.
To overcome these challenges, the team employed a multi-track tight-binding (TB) approach, which can handle a much larger number of atoms compared to DFT. This method accounts for variations in GNR width, irregular edges, and different sizes and positions of nanoholes. Additionally, the researchers integrated a multi-scale simulation technique to effectively model the complex interplay between biological and electronic components.
The implications of this research extend beyond DNA sensing. The findings could also contribute to the development of advanced bio-electronic devices, with potential applications in personalized medicine. As Leberton explained, "At a broader level, this work represents the intersection of biology and nanoelectronics at the molecular scale. Nanoelectronics offers the potential to control and process biological information, tapping into the immense data-processing capabilities of living systems and opening new frontiers in information technology."
Japanese Type Low Gravity Casters
Japanese Type Low Gravity Casters
Japanese Type Low Gravity Casters
Ningbo Mywin Caster Co., Ltd. , https://www.mywin-caster.com