DNA base-specific modulation of microampere transverse edge currents through a metallic graphene nanoribbon with a nanopore.

ABSTRACT: We study two-terminal devices for DNA sequencing that consist of a metallic graphene nanoribbon with zigzag edges (ZGNR) and a nanopore in its interior through which the DNA molecule is translocated. Using the nonequilibrium Green functions combined with density functional theory, we demonstrate that each of the four DNA nucleobases inserted into the nanopore, whose edge carbon atoms are passivated by either hydrogen or nitrogen, will lead to a unique change in the device conductance. Unlike other recent biosensors based on transverse electronic transport through translocated DNA, which utilize small (of the order of pA) tunneling current across a nanogap or a nanopore yielding a poor signal-to-noise ratio, our device concept relies on the fact that in ZGNRs local current density is peaked

SUBMITTER: Saha KK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3272331 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature