Nanofluidic Stochastic Sensors

Our aim is to develop a nanofluidic-based sensor and instrument platform which will provide direct detection and quantification of analytes approaching molecular concentrations. We anticipate that the method will enable rapid detection and identification of presence or exposure to chemical and bioterror agents in air, water, contaminated surfaces, forensic samples, food and body fluids, as well explosives and environmental contaminants. The proposed approach employs single isolated conical nanotubes with molecular-sized openings embedded within a mechanical and chemically robust polymeric membrane. The general platform may also be used for nanofiltration of molecules according to their size and charge, as a front end for other microanalytical instruments. Very low levels of detection are possible because analytes are accelerated to the nanopore mouth by an electric field. The technology may be adapted to detecting small molecules, polypeptides and proteins, double-stranded and single-stranded DNA and nucleic acid fragments, and nanoparticles such as viruses and bacteria. Phase I will demonstrate the basic device for size and charge selection of single molecule analytes. Phase II will extend the instrument concept to include highly specific sensing elements with molecular recognition capabilities.