Graphene nanopore devices
to monitor DNA translocations
Docket # W5616
STATE OF DEVELOPMENT
Prototype tested in laboratory
Problem
DNA sequencing is a very expensive and time-consuming process, taking several
days and thousands of dollars to sequence a complete genome.
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
Patent filed 7/20/2012
Solution
A nanopore is a small hole that DNA can pass through. As DNA goes through
the pore, it causes a measurable change in the ion current passing across the pore.
Each of the four DNA bases changes the ion current differently. By monitoring
the current across synthetic nanopores formed in atomically thin and highly
conductive graphene, DNA can be effectively sequenced.
REFERENCE MEDIA
http://pubs.acs.org/doi/
abs/10.1021/nl101046t
DESIRED PARTNERSHIPS
• License
• Sponsored research
INVENTOR
Marija Drndic, PhD
Professor
Physics and Astronomy
www.physics.upenn.edu/
drndicgroup/
LEARN MORE
Ryne DuBose
E: rdubose@upenn.edu
P: 215-746-8107
Other solid-state devices use insulating materials, but graphene is highly
electrically conductive. Using graphene as a membrane material can enable
nanopore devices where electronic sensing and control are performed directly at
the pore. Ultimately the researchers aim to use graphene nanopore sequencing to
read an entire human genome in 15 minutes at a cost of $1,000.
Technology Overview
This invention is a fabrication method to generate a 1−5 nm thick graphene
membrane on top of a silicon nitride window. The membrane is then drilled with
transmission electron beam ablation lithography to create nanopores that are 5 to
10 nm in diameter.
Graphene nanopore devices offer better performance than other methods
of DNA sequencing, with higher speed and greater signal to noise ratio than
traditional techniques.
Advantages
• Because graphene is electrically conductive, this device provides direct
electrical control to the sensor pores
• Graphene is thin and flexible and can be reliably fabricated.
• Greater discernment of individual DNA bases as compared to other nanopore
techniques
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