Ultrahigh Spatial Resolution Cross-Disjoint Mortise-Confined Solid-State Nanopores with an Ultrathin Middle Layer

Abstract

Nanopore single-molecule technology, especially DNA/RNA sequencing based on nanopores, requires a high spatial resolution. In this paper, we theoretically studied the spatial resolution of the cross-disjoint mortise-confined solid-state nanopore (CDM-nanopore) structure that is formed by two perpendicular and disjoint nanochannels and a middle nanopore. When the thickness of the middle layer (nanopore) is 0 nm (i.e., the zero-depth interfacial nanopore), 0.6 nm, and 1 nm, the geometric resolution (δ z ) is 0.24, 0.32, and 0.39 nm, respectively. The ultrahigh spatial resolution of the CDM nanopore with an ultrathin middle layer is comparable with that of the conventional ultrashort nanopore (e.g., two-dimensional material nanopore). We also demonstrate that for cylindrical segments with a diameter difference of 0.2 nm, the current difference (δ I ) will reach the maximum when the middle layer is about half of the length of one segment. In addition to the high resolution of CDM nanopores with an ultrathin middle layer, its outstanding mechanical stability and low noise characteristics provide the possibility of extending the application of the CDM nanopore to DNA/RNA sequencing.

Effect of Membrane Thickness on Ion Transport in pH-Regulated Zero-Depth Interfacial Nanopores

“…They reported that these nanopores possess superior mechanical qualities and an impressively low noise level, making them potentially valuable for sensitive detection applications . Furthermore, we also proposed cross-disjoint mortise-confined nanopores based on interfacial nanopores as a means of further improving resolution …”

“…27 Furthermore, we also proposed crossdisjoint mortise-confined nanopores based on interfacial nanopores as a means of further improving resolution. 37 Despite the notable achievements in this field, understanding the fundamental mechanisms governing ion transport and associated processes in zero-depth interfacial nanopores remains a critical issue that requires further investigation. The study of ion transport properties is highly important for current nanofluidic applications, 38−40 and numerous studies have been conducted in the area of modeling ion transport to understand the fundamental mechanisms.…”