PIEZOELECTRIC-BASED NANOPORE DEVICE FOR THE ACTIVE CONTROL OF THE MOTION OF POLYMERS THROUGH THE SAME

摘要

Apparatus, system, and methods are provided for utilizing piezoelectric material for controlling a polymer through a nanopore. A reservoir is formed filled with conductive fluid. A membrane is formed that separates the reservoir. A nanopore is formed through the membrane. The membrane comprises electrical conductive layers, piezoelectric layers, and insulating layers. The piezoelectric layers are operative to control a size of the nanopore for clamping/releasing a polymer as well as to control the thickness of part of the membrane when a voltage is applied to the piezoelectric layers. Combinations of clamping/releasing the polymer and changing the thickness of part of the membrane can move a polymer through the nanopore at any electrically controlled speed and also stretch or break a polymer in the nanopore.