Physical DNA Sequencing Using Graphene Nanopores
We aim to develop new physical methods for fast, single-molecule DNA sequencing based on graphene nanopores. Here, a long strand of individual DNA molecule is precisely controlled and manipulated using nanofluidic setup. The molecule is threaded through a nanometer scaled pore, with integrated electrical sensors detecting individual nucleotides in their natural sequential order.
Specific challenges are: (a) control of DNA position with sub-nm precision; (b) developing detector with sufficient nucleotide contrast; (c) achieving sufficient resolution along the DNA molecule to discern individual nucleobases
Advantages: Significant increase in sequencing speed and decrease in price will make full-genome DNA sequencing part of the general healthcare, through preventive and personalized medicine. Being single-molecule method, nanopore sequencing is uniquely suited for single-cell sequencing, removing the need for the DNA molecular amplifications.
References:
1. Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 110, 12192-12196 (2013).
2. Nature 467, 190–193 (2010).