NER: 3D nanostructures for acceleration of DNA hybridization by electrodeless di-electrophoresis

University Of Virginia Main Campus, Charlottesville VA

Investigators

Abstract

Swami 0403963 The sensitivity of biomolecular devices is significantly limited by the slow diffusion of target DNA molecules towards capture probe DNA sensors, thereby slowing binding and hybridization kinetics, especially at detection limits of nanomolar or less levels of target analyte. 3D edge and constriction type nanostructures will be fabricated in this work to selectively pre-concentrate target DNA or other biomolecules in close proximity to capture probes using an electrodeless di-electrophoresis (EDEP) configuration that consists of electrically floating metal edges and/or constrictions in an AC field for local enhancement of field gradient, and the absence of drive electrodes within the biomolecule preconcentration volume to prevent biomolecule damage. Short DNA fragments (< 500 bp) will be used in the preconcentration study to quantitatively map out the efficiency and the trapping force response versus frequency. Such designs may eventually be applied for the acceleration of DNA binding and hybridization to capture probes, thereby greatly improving detection sensitivity. Nanostructure fabrication will be conducted at the University of Virginia (UVA) and biomolecule preconcentration studies for eventual sensor integration will be carried out at Arizona State University's (ASU) AZ Biodesign Institute. Innovations from this interdisciplinary research work will be drawn upon as content for future courses at the MRSEC and current courses in MEMS and Bioelectricity at UVA.