Trans-base tunnel reader for sequencing

摘要

A device for reading the sequence of a polymer, consisting of a first electrode and a second electrode, each electrode being functionalized with a reader molecule strongly bonded to the electrodes, but forming weak bonds with a molecule to be sequenced. In particular, the reader molecule is designed to form bonds with at least two points on the target molecule such that the target molecule is trapped between a first reader molecule on one electrode and a second reader molecule on the second electrode, with the overall size of the molecular complex being small enough to permit significant electric current to flow.

主权项

1. A molecular recognition chip configured to identify at least one portion of a target molecule, the chip comprising:
a) a substrate; b) a first nanotube passing through at least a portion of the substrate, the first nanotube provided with a nanopore and configured and dimensioned to permit the translocation of a target molecule therethrough; c) a second nanotube supported by the substrate and disposed in a fixed relationship with respect to said first nanotube so as to form a first gap with the first nanotube; and d) an electrical circuit configured to detect an electrical current between the first and second nanotubes, upon passage of the target molecule past said gap; wherein the first nanotube comprises a first recognition element connected to an end thereof, the second nanotube comprises a second recognition element connected to a first end thereof, and wherein each of the first and second recognition elements further comprise a universal base reader.