J. B. Heng, C. Ho, T. Kim, R. Timp, A. Aksimentiev, Y. V. Grinkova, S. Sligar,
K. Schulten, and G. Timp.
Sizing DNA using a nanometer-diameter pore.
Biophysical Journal, 87:2905-2911, 2004.
(PMC: 1304707)
HENG2004
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
by gel electrophoresis. The relationship between DNA translocation and
blocking current signature has been established through molecular
dynamics simulations. By measuring the duration and the magnitude of
the blocking current transient, we can discriminate single-stranded from
double-stranded DNA and resolve the length of the polymer.
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