1
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Fang S, Zeng D, He S, Li Y, Pang Z, Wang Y, Liang L, Weng T, Xie W, Wang D. Fast Fabrication Nanopores on a PMMA Membrane by a Local High Electric Field Controlled Breakdown. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 24:2109. [PMID: 38610321 PMCID: PMC11013984 DOI: 10.3390/s24072109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2024] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
The sensitivity and accuracy of nanopore sensors are severely hindered by the high noise associated with solid-state nanopores. To mitigate this issue, the deposition of organic polymer materials onto silicon nitride (SiNx) membranes has been effective in obtaining low-noise measurements. Nonetheless, the fabrication of nanopores sub-10 nm on thin polymer membranes remains a significant challenge. This work proposes a method for fabricating nanopores on polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) membrane by the local high electrical field controlled breakdown, exploring the impact of voltage and current on the breakdown of PMMA membranes and discussing the mechanism underlying the breakdown voltage and current during the formation of nanopores. By improving the electric field application method, transient high electric fields that are one-seven times higher than the breakdown electric field can be utilized to fabricate nanopores. A comparative analysis was performed on the current noise levels of nanopores in PMMA-SiNx composite membranes and SiNx nanopores with a 5 nm diameter. The results demonstrated that the fast fabrication of nanopores on PMMA-SiNx membranes exhibited reduced current noise compared to SiNx nanopores. This finding provides evidence supporting the feasibility of utilizing this technology for efficiently fabricating low-noise nanopores on polymer composite membranes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaoxi Fang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Multi-Scale Manufacturing Technology, Chongqing Institute of Green and Intelligent Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing 400714, China; (S.F.); (S.H.); (Y.W.); (L.L.); (T.W.)
- Chongqing School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing 400714, China
| | - Delin Zeng
- School of Optoelectronic Engineering, Chongqing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Chongqing 400065, China; (D.Z.); (Y.L.); (Z.P.)
| | - Shixuan He
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Multi-Scale Manufacturing Technology, Chongqing Institute of Green and Intelligent Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing 400714, China; (S.F.); (S.H.); (Y.W.); (L.L.); (T.W.)
- Chongqing School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing 400714, China
| | - Yadong Li
- School of Optoelectronic Engineering, Chongqing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Chongqing 400065, China; (D.Z.); (Y.L.); (Z.P.)
| | - Zichen Pang
- School of Optoelectronic Engineering, Chongqing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Chongqing 400065, China; (D.Z.); (Y.L.); (Z.P.)
| | - Yunjiao Wang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Multi-Scale Manufacturing Technology, Chongqing Institute of Green and Intelligent Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing 400714, China; (S.F.); (S.H.); (Y.W.); (L.L.); (T.W.)
- Chongqing School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing 400714, China
| | - Liyuan Liang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Multi-Scale Manufacturing Technology, Chongqing Institute of Green and Intelligent Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing 400714, China; (S.F.); (S.H.); (Y.W.); (L.L.); (T.W.)
- Chongqing School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing 400714, China
| | - Ting Weng
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Multi-Scale Manufacturing Technology, Chongqing Institute of Green and Intelligent Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing 400714, China; (S.F.); (S.H.); (Y.W.); (L.L.); (T.W.)
- Chongqing School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing 400714, China
| | - Wanyi Xie
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Multi-Scale Manufacturing Technology, Chongqing Institute of Green and Intelligent Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing 400714, China; (S.F.); (S.H.); (Y.W.); (L.L.); (T.W.)
- Chongqing School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing 400714, China
| | - Deqiang Wang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Multi-Scale Manufacturing Technology, Chongqing Institute of Green and Intelligent Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing 400714, China; (S.F.); (S.H.); (Y.W.); (L.L.); (T.W.)
- Chongqing School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing 400714, China
- School of Optoelectronic Engineering, Chongqing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Chongqing 400065, China; (D.Z.); (Y.L.); (Z.P.)
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Xiang F, Dong M, Zhang W, Liang S, Guan W. Modeling pyramidal silicon nanopores with effective ion transport. NANOTECHNOLOGY 2022; 33:485503. [PMID: 36007456 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6528/ac8c9c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
While the electrical models of the membrane-based solid-state nanopores have been well established, silicon-based pyramidal nanopores cannot apply these models due to two distinctive features. One is its 35.3° half cone angle, which brings additional resistance to the moving ions inside the nanopore. The other is its rectangular entrance, which makes calculating the access conductance challenging. Here, we proposed and validated an effective transport model (ETM) for silicon-based pyramidal nanopores by introducing effective conductivity. The impact of half cone angle can be described equivalently using a reduced diffusion coefficient (effective diffusion coefficient). Because the decrease of diffusion coefficient results in a smaller conductivity, effective conductivity is used for the calculation of bulk conductance in ETM. In the classical model, intrinsic conductivity is used. We used the top-down fabrication method for generating the pyramidal silicon nanopores to test the proposed model. Compared with the large error (≥25% in most cases) when using the classical model, the error of ETM in predicting conductance is less than 15%. We also found that the ETM is applicable when the ratio of excess ion concentration and bulk ion concentration is smaller than 0.2. At last, it is proved that ETM can estimate the tip size of pyramidal silicon nanopore. We believe the ETM would provide an improved method for evaluating the pyramidal silicon nanopores.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feibin Xiang
- Key Laboratory of Microelectronics Devices & Integrated Technology, Institute of Microelectronics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100029, People's Republic of China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, People's Republic of China
| | - Ming Dong
- School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, United States of America
| | - Wenchang Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Microelectronics Devices & Integrated Technology, Institute of Microelectronics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100029, People's Republic of China
| | - Shengfa Liang
- Key Laboratory of Microelectronics Devices & Integrated Technology, Institute of Microelectronics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100029, People's Republic of China
| | - Weihua Guan
- School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, United States of America
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, United States of America
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3
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Ying C, Ma T, Xu L, Rahmani M. Localized Nanopore Fabrication via Controlled Breakdown. NANOMATERIALS 2022; 12:nano12142384. [PMID: 35889608 PMCID: PMC9323289 DOI: 10.3390/nano12142384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Nanopore sensors provide a unique platform to detect individual nucleic acids, proteins, and other biomolecules without the need for fluorescent labeling or chemical modifications. Solid-state nanopores offer the potential to integrate nanopore sensing with other technologies such as field-effect transistors (FETs), optics, plasmonics, and microfluidics, thereby attracting attention to the development of commercial instruments for diagnostics and healthcare applications. Stable nanopores with ideal dimensions are particularly critical for nanopore sensors to be integrated into other sensing devices and provide a high signal-to-noise ratio. Nanopore fabrication, although having benefited largely from the development of sophisticated nanofabrication techniques, remains a challenge in terms of cost, time consumption and accessibility. One of the latest developed methods—controlled breakdown (CBD)—has made the nanopore technique broadly accessible, boosting the use of nanopore sensing in both fundamental research and biomedical applications. Many works have been developed to improve the efficiency and robustness of pore formation by CBD. However, nanopores formed by traditional CBD are randomly positioned in the membrane. To expand nanopore sensing to a wider biomedical application, controlling the localization of nanopores formed by CBD is essential. This article reviews the recent strategies to control the location of nanopores formed by CBD. We discuss the fundamental mechanism and the efforts of different approaches to confine the region of nanopore formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cuifeng Ying
- Advanced Optics and Photonics Laboratory, Department of Engineering, School of Science &Technology, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham NG1 4FQ, UK; (L.X.); (M.R.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Tianji Ma
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Materials Protection for Electric Power and Transportation & Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Cytochemistry, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Changsha University of Science and Technology, Changsha 410114, China;
| | - Lei Xu
- Advanced Optics and Photonics Laboratory, Department of Engineering, School of Science &Technology, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham NG1 4FQ, UK; (L.X.); (M.R.)
| | - Mohsen Rahmani
- Advanced Optics and Photonics Laboratory, Department of Engineering, School of Science &Technology, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham NG1 4FQ, UK; (L.X.); (M.R.)
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Hong J, Oh Y, Choi H, Kim J. Low-Area Four-Channel Controlled Dielectric Breakdown System Design for Point-of-Care Applications. SENSORS 2022; 22:s22051895. [PMID: 35271042 PMCID: PMC8914830 DOI: 10.3390/s22051895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
In this study, we propose a low-area multi-channel controlled dielectric breakdown (CDB) system that simultaneously produces several nanopore sensors. Conventionally, solid-state nanopores are prepared by etching or drilling openings in a silicon nitride (SiNx) substrate, which is expensive and requires a long processing time. To address these challenges, a CDB technique was introduced and used to fabricate nanopore channels in SiNx membranes. However, the nanopore sensors produced by the CDB result in a severe pore-to-pore diameter variation as a result of different fabrication conditions and processing times. Accordingly, it is indispensable to simultaneously fabricate nanopore sensors in the same environment to reduce the deleterious effects of pore-to-pore variation. In this study, we propose a four-channel CDB system that comprises an amplifier that boosts the command voltage, a 1-to-4 multiplexer, a level shifter, a low-noise transimpedance amplifier and a data acquisition device. To prove our design concept, we used the CDB system to fabricate four nanopore sensors with diameters of <10 nm, and its in vitro performance was verified using λ-DNA samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonggi Hong
- Department of Health Sciences & Technology, Gachon Advanced Institute for Health Sciences & Technology, Gachon University, Incheon 21999, Korea;
| | - Yeonji Oh
- Department of Medical Science, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea;
| | - Hojong Choi
- Department of Eletronic Engineering, Gachon University, Seongnam 13306, Korea
- Correspondence: (H.C.); (J.K.)
| | - Jungsuk Kim
- Department of Health Sciences & Technology, Gachon Advanced Institute for Health Sciences & Technology, Gachon University, Incheon 21999, Korea;
- Correspondence: (H.C.); (J.K.)
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Tang Z, Dong M, He X, Guan W. On Stochastic Reduction in Laser-Assisted Dielectric Breakdown for Programmable Nanopore Fabrication. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2021; 13:13383-13391. [PMID: 33705089 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.0c23106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The controlled dielectric breakdown emerged as a promising alternative toward accessible solid-state nanopore fabrication. Several prior studies have shown that laser-assisted dielectric breakdown could help control the nanopore position and reduce the possibility of forming multiple pores. Here, we developed a physical model to estimate the probability of forming a single nanopore under different combinations of the laser power and the electric field. This model relies on the material- and experiment-specific parameters: the Weibull statistical parameters and the laser-induced photothermal etching rate. Both the model and our experimental data suggest that a combination of a high laser power and a low electric field is statistically favorable for forming a single nanopore at a programmed location. While this model relies on experiment-specific parameters, we anticipate it could provide the experimental insights for nanopore fabrication by the laser-assisted dielectric breakdown method, enabling broader access to solid-state nanopores and their sensing applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zifan Tang
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States
| | - Ming Dong
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States
| | - Xiaodong He
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States
| | - Weihua Guan
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States
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6
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Leung C, Briggs K, Laberge MP, Peng S, Waugh M, Tabard-Cossa V. Mechanisms of solid-state nanopore enlargement under electrical stress. NANOTECHNOLOGY 2020; 31:44LT01. [PMID: 32698174 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6528/aba86e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
We present a thorough exploration of nanopore growth under electrical stress in electrolyte solution, and demonstrate that despite their superficial similarities, nanopore formation by controlled breakdown (CBD) and nanopore growth under moderate voltage stress are fundamentally different processes. In particular, we demonstrate that unlike the CBD process, nanopore growth is primarily driven by the level of ionic current passing through the nanopore, rather than the strength of the electric field generating the current, and that enlargement has a much weaker pH dependence than does CBD pore formation. In combination with other works in the field, our results suggest that despite clear current-dependence, Joule heating is unlikely to be the main driver of pore growth during electrical stress, pointing instead toward electrochemical dissolution of membrane material along the pore walls. While the chemistry underlying the growth process remains unclear, the dependence of growth rate on current allows decoupling of the pore enlargement mechanism from the possibility of forming additional nanopores during the growth process, providing a practical method by which to rapidly enlarge a nanopore without risking opening a second nanopore.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chelsea Leung
- Department of Physics, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
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7
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He X, Tang Z, Liang S, Liu M, Guan W. Confocal scanning photoluminescence for mapping electron and photon beam-induced microscopic changes in SiN x during nanopore fabrication. NANOTECHNOLOGY 2020; 31:395202. [PMID: 32526718 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6528/ab9bd4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Focused electron and laser beams have shown the ability to form nanoscale pores in SiN x membranes. During the fabrication process, areas beyond the final nanopore location will inevitably be exposed to the electron beams or the laser beams due to the need for localization, alignment and focus. It remains unclear how these unintended exposures affect the integrity of the membrane. In this work, we demonstrate the use of confocal scanning photoluminescence (PL) for mapping the microscopic changes in SiN x nanopores when exposed to electron and laser beams. We developed and validated a model for the quantitative interpretation of the scanned PL result. The model shows that the scanning PL result is insensitive to the nanopore size. Instead, it is dominated by the product of two microscopic material factors: quantum yield profile (i.e. variations in electronic structure) and thickness profile (i.e. thinning of the membrane). We experimentally demonstrated that the electron and laser beams could alter the material electronic structures (i.e. quantum yield) even when no thinning of the membrane occurs. Our results suggest that minimizing the unintended e-beam or laser beam to the SiN x during the fabrication is crucial if one desires the microscopic integrity of the membrane.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaodong He
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, United States of America. School of Information Science and Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, People's Republic of China
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8
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Fang S, Yin B, Xie W, Zhou D, Tang P, He S, Yuan J, Wang D. A novel dielectric breakdown apparatus for solid-state nanopore fabrication with transient high electric field. THE REVIEW OF SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENTS 2020; 91:093203. [PMID: 33003785 DOI: 10.1063/5.0024079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The dielectric breakdown used to fabricate solid-state nanopores has separated the device from capital-intensive industries and has been widely adopted by various research teams, but there are still problems with low production efficiency and uncertain location. In this work, based on the transient breakdown phenomenon of nanofilms, a new type of dielectric breakdown apparatus for nanopore fabrication is reported. It integrates both nano-manipulation technology and dielectric breakdown nanopore fabrication technology. The nanometer distance detection method and circuit are introduced in detail. The generation principle and procedures of the transient high electric field are explained step by step. The characterization of the nanopores shows that this apparatus can fabricate sub-2 nm nanopores at a pre-located position. Besides, the nanopore diameter can be easily adjusted by setting the transient high electric field value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaoxi Fang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Multi-scale Manufacturing Technology, Chongqing Institute of Green and Intelligent Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing 400714, People's Republic of China
| | - Bohua Yin
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Multi-scale Manufacturing Technology, Chongqing Institute of Green and Intelligent Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing 400714, People's Republic of China
| | - Wanyi Xie
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Multi-scale Manufacturing Technology, Chongqing Institute of Green and Intelligent Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing 400714, People's Republic of China
| | - Daming Zhou
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Multi-scale Manufacturing Technology, Chongqing Institute of Green and Intelligent Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing 400714, People's Republic of China
| | - Peng Tang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Multi-scale Manufacturing Technology, Chongqing Institute of Green and Intelligent Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing 400714, People's Republic of China
| | - Shixuan He
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Multi-scale Manufacturing Technology, Chongqing Institute of Green and Intelligent Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing 400714, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiahu Yuan
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Multi-scale Manufacturing Technology, Chongqing Institute of Green and Intelligent Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing 400714, People's Republic of China
| | - Deqiang Wang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Multi-scale Manufacturing Technology, Chongqing Institute of Green and Intelligent Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing 400714, People's Republic of China
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9
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Yin B, Fang S, Zhou D, Liang L, Wang L, Wang Z, Wang D, Yuan J. Nanopore Fabrication via Transient High Electric Field Controlled Breakdown and Detection of Single RNA Molecules. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2020; 3:6368-6375. [DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.0c00812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Bohua Yin
- International Research Centre for Nano Handling and Manufacturing of China, Changchun University of Science and Technology, Changchun, Jilin Province 130022, PR China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Multi-Scale Manufacturing Technology, Chongqing Institute of Green and Intelligent Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing 400714, PR China
| | - Shaoxi Fang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Multi-Scale Manufacturing Technology, Chongqing Institute of Green and Intelligent Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing 400714, PR China
- Chongqing School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing 400714, PR China
| | - Daming Zhou
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Multi-Scale Manufacturing Technology, Chongqing Institute of Green and Intelligent Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing 400714, PR China
- Chongqing School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing 400714, PR China
| | - Liyuan Liang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Multi-Scale Manufacturing Technology, Chongqing Institute of Green and Intelligent Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing 400714, PR China
- Chongqing School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing 400714, PR China
| | - Liang Wang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Multi-Scale Manufacturing Technology, Chongqing Institute of Green and Intelligent Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing 400714, PR China
- Chongqing School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing 400714, PR China
| | - Zuobin Wang
- International Research Centre for Nano Handling and Manufacturing of China, Changchun University of Science and Technology, Changchun, Jilin Province 130022, PR China
| | - Deqiang Wang
- International Research Centre for Nano Handling and Manufacturing of China, Changchun University of Science and Technology, Changchun, Jilin Province 130022, PR China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Multi-Scale Manufacturing Technology, Chongqing Institute of Green and Intelligent Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing 400714, PR China
- Chongqing School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing 400714, PR China
| | - Jiahu Yuan
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Multi-Scale Manufacturing Technology, Chongqing Institute of Green and Intelligent Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing 400714, PR China
- Chongqing School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing 400714, PR China
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10
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Nouri R, Jiang Y, Lian XL, Guan W. Sequence-Specific Recognition of HIV-1 DNA with Solid-State CRISPR-Cas12a-Assisted Nanopores (SCAN). ACS Sens 2020; 5:1273-1280. [PMID: 32370494 DOI: 10.1021/acssensors.0c00497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Nucleic acid detection methods are crucial for many fields such as pathogen detection and genotyping. Solid-state nanopore sensors represent a promising platform for nucleic acid detection due to its unique single molecule sensitivity and label-free electronic sensing. Here, we demonstrated the use of the glass nanopore for highly sensitive quantification of single-stranded circular DNAs (reporters), which could be degraded under the trans-cleavage activity of the target-specific CRISPR-Cas12a. We developed and optimized the Cas12a assay for HIV-1 analysis. We validated the concept of the solid-state CRISPR-Cas12a-assisted nanopores (SCAN) to specifically detect the HIV-1 DNAs. We showed that the glass nanopore sensor is effective in monitoring the cleavage activity of the target DNA-activated Cas12a. We developed a model to predict the total experimental time needed for making a statistically confident positive/negative call in a qualitative test. The SCAN concept combines the much-needed specificity and sensitivity into a single platform, and we anticipate that the SCAN would provide a compact, rapid, and low-cost method for nucleic acid detection at the point of care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reza Nouri
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States
| | - Yuqian Jiang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States
- Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States
| | - Xiaojun Lance Lian
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States
- Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States
- Department of Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States
| | - Weihua Guan
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States
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11
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Liang S, Xiang F, Tang Z, Nouri R, He X, Dong M, Guan W. Noise in nanopore sensors: Sources, models, reduction, and benchmarking. NANOTECHNOLOGY AND PRECISION ENGINEERING 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.npe.2019.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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12
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Nouri R, Tang Z, Guan W. Quantitative Analysis of Factors Affecting the Event Rate in Glass Nanopore Sensors. ACS Sens 2019; 4:3007-3013. [PMID: 31612705 DOI: 10.1021/acssensors.9b01540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
While the solid-state nanopore sensors have shown exceptional promise with their single-molecule sensitivity and label-free operations, one of the most significant challenges in the nanopore sensor is the limited analyte translocation event rate that leads to prolonged sensor response time. This issue is more pronounced when the analyte concentration is below the nanomolar (nM) range, owing to the diffusion-limited mass transport. In this work, we systematically studied the experimental factors beyond the intrinsic analyte concentration and electrophoretic mobility that affect the event rate in glass nanopore sensors. We developed a quantitative model to capture the impact of nanopore surface charge density, ionic strength, nanopore geometry, and translocation direction on the event rate. The synergistic effects of these factors on the event rates were investigated with the aim to find the optimized experimental conditions for operating the glass nanopore sensor from the response time standpoint. The findings in the study would provide useful and practical insight to enhance the device response time and achieve a lower detection limit for various glass nanopore-sensing experiments.
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13
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Tang Z, Choi G, Nouri R, Guan W. Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification-Coupled Glass Nanopore Counting Toward Sensitive and Specific Nucleic Acid Testing. NANO LETTERS 2019; 19:7927-7934. [PMID: 31657939 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.9b03040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Solid-state nanopores have shown great promise and achieved tremendous success in label-free single-molecule analysis. However, there are three common challenges in solid-state nanopore sensors, including the nanopore size variations from batch to batch that makes the interpretation of the sensing results difficult, the incorporation of sensor specificity, and the impractical analysis time at low analyte concentration due to diffusion-limited mass transport. Here, we demonstrate a novel loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP)-coupled glass nanopore counting strategy that could effectively address these challenges. By using the glass nanopore in the counting mode (versus the sizing mode), the device fabrication challenge is considerably eased since it allows a certain degree of pore size variations and no surface functionalization is needed. The specific molecule replication effectively breaks the diffusion-limited mass transport thanks to the exponential growth of the target molecules. We show the LAMP-coupled glass nanopore counting has the potential to be used in a qualitative test as well as in a quantitative nucleic acid test. This approach lends itself to most amplification strategies as long as the target template is specifically replicated in numbers. The highly sensitive and specific sensing strategy would open a new avenue for solid-state nanopore sensors toward a new form of compact, rapid, low-cost nucleic acid testing at the point of care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zifan Tang
- Department of Electrical Engineering , Pennsylvania State University , University Park , Pennsylvania 16802 , United States
| | - Gihoon Choi
- Department of Electrical Engineering , Pennsylvania State University , University Park , Pennsylvania 16802 , United States
| | - Reza Nouri
- Department of Electrical Engineering , Pennsylvania State University , University Park , Pennsylvania 16802 , United States
| | - Weihua Guan
- Department of Electrical Engineering , Pennsylvania State University , University Park , Pennsylvania 16802 , United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering , Pennsylvania State University , University Park , Pennsylvania 16802 , United States
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Stable fabrication of a large nanopore by controlled dielectric breakdown in a high-pH solution for the detection of various-sized molecules. Sci Rep 2019; 9:13143. [PMID: 31511597 PMCID: PMC6739384 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-49622-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2019] [Accepted: 08/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
For nanopore sensing of various-sized molecules with high sensitivity, the size of the nanopore should be adjusted according to the size of each target molecule. For solid-state nanopores, a simple and inexpensive nanopore fabrication method utilizing dielectric breakdown of a membrane is widely used. This method is suitable for fabricating a small nanopore. However, it suffers two serious problems when attempting to fabricate a large nanopore: the generation of multiple nanopores and the non-opening failure of a nanopore. In this study, we found that nanopore fabrication by dielectric breakdown of a SiN membrane under high-pH conditions (pH ≥ 11.3) could overcome these two problems and enabled the formation of a single large nanopore up to 40 nm in diameter within one minute. Moreover, the ionic-current blockades derived from streptavidin-labelled and non-labelled DNA passing through the fabricated nanopore were clearly distinguished. The current blockades caused by streptavidin-labelled DNA could be identified even when its concentration is 1% of the total DNA.
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Nouri R, Tang Z, Guan W. Calibration-Free Nanopore Digital Counting of Single Molecules. Anal Chem 2019; 91:11178-11184. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.9b01924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Reza Nouri
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States
| | - Zifan Tang
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States
| | - Weihua Guan
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States
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