Cees Dekker’s laboratory at Delft University of Technology was the first to measure DNA properties as it passed the molecule through a nanopore in a single atomic layer of the planar molecule graphene. The technology, if successfully applied to sequencing, would displace on market sequencing methods by enabling longer read lengths and obviating the need for fluorescent labels and associated instrumentation. Additionally, there are protein analysis applications that would build on a sequencing capability.

As described in a research publication by Schneider and co-workers, the lab developed a method to place single and multiple layers of graphene across micron-scale holes in silicon nitride, subsequently using electron beams to create 2 nm to 40 nm diameter holes in the graphene sheets. After placing the nanopore arrangements in microfluidic cells along with 16 micrometer-long double-stranded DNA and using a voltage to drive DNA through pores, the Dekker lab measured both the total translocation time of DNA through a pore and the time-dependent ion current. [1]

The researchers point out two applications: 1) sequencing at single-based resolution; and 2) detecting proteins bound to “biopolymers”[1]. This sequencing approach would compete directly with the development-stage ion-current nanopore sequencing technologies of Illumina/Oxford Nanopore and NABsys.

An evaluation of the Cees Dekker laboratory’s research on graphene nanopores is available on the Schiamberg Group website and includes: description of target applications, market context, and potential impact on one or more markets; analysis of technical challenges, applications, and likelihood of success; recommendations on actions that interested parties should take with respect to the laboratory; and recommendations on questions interested parties should be asking the laboratory. To purchase the Cees Dekker laboratory evaluation click here.

Copyright © Schiamberg Group 2011. All rights reserved.

[1] Schneider et. al., “DNA Translocation through Graphene Nanopores,” Nano Lett., 10 (8), pp 3163–3167, 2010a (pre-print).