Tunable Nanofiber Mesh Coatings for Improved Nanopores Sensing

Boston University (Charles River Campus), Boston MA

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Abstract

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): While solid-state nanopores show promise as single-molecule sensors for biomedical applications, in order to improve their resolution and efficiency, analyte molecules must be probed more frequently and must remain longer in the nanopore sensing volume. This proposal describes a novel, simple, and versatile method to improve nanopore sensitivity and temporal resolution by slowing translocation speed and increasing capture efficiency via interactions outside the nanopore, while still leaving the nanopore itself available for further functionalization. This will be achieved by applying a chemically tunable nanofiber polymeric mesh (NFM) directly to a solid-state nanopore chip, where its fibers (hydrophobic, cationic, or anionic) may interact with analyte molecules during sensing from outside the nanopore, guiding them into the sensing volume and slowing their movement through it. The NFM is composed of a network of fibers (100-1000 nm diameter) formed from poly(?-caprolactone) (PCL) doped with poly(glycerol-co-?-caprolactone) (PGC), deposited onto a surface by electrospinning. The PGC component of this polymer may be modified to include a range of side groups which confer hydrophobic, anionic, or cationic properties to the NFM. The fiber size and mesh density may be controlled by adjusting the electrospinning parameters. Thus, adjustment of the polymer NFM parameters will be completely independent of alterations to the nanopore surface itself. A broad range of designer translocation properties will be accessible for any solid-state nanopore application through simple selection of an appropriate NFM. We will first construct nanopore-nanofiber mesh (NP-NFM) hybrid devices with different charge and mesh characteristics, then screen these devices to determine which combinations are suitable for nanopore sensing. Candidate devices will be tested using a range of ssDNA and dsDNA lengths to determine how each type of NFM affects translocation and capture. The application of an external, chemically tunable coating that can improve sensing efficiency and resolution without requiring intrinsic modification of the nanopore will directly support efforts t develop viable nanopore-based sequencing and diagnostic platforms by enabling slower translocation speeds and increased threading probability.