Illinois Researchers Develop Advanced Nanopore Sensing Technology

In a significant advancement in biomolecular detection, researchers from The Grainger College of Engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign have unveiled a novel nanopore sensing platform capable of single-biomolecule detection. This groundbreaking work, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) on June 14, 2025, promises to revolutionize DNA sequencing technologies, particularly in the realm of precision medicine.

According to Sihan Chen, a postdoctoral researcher at Illinois Grainger and lead author of the study, "Solid-state nanopores offer a substantial advantage over biological nanopores due to their compatibility with wafer-scale manufacturing processes, making them ideal for low-cost, massively parallelized DNA sequencing."

Nanopore sensors operate by monitoring ionic changes as molecules traverse through nanometer-sized openings. Current commercially available DNA sequencing methods utilize biological nanopores, but the Illinois team has focused on developing solid-state alternatives. The transition from biological to solid-state nanopores is seen as a crucial step towards more efficient genomic analysis techniques.

Historically, the concept of utilizing solid-state nanopores for DNA sequencing faced significant challenges, particularly in achieving the precision required for base-by-base resolution. In the late 2000s, IBM introduced the idea of DNA transistors, employing a unique dielectric metal sandwich structure to facilitate DNA detection. However, practical implementation was hindered by the complexities involved in fabricating ultra-thin metal films encapsulated by dielectric layers.

The collaborative effort between Arend van der Zande, a professor in mechanical science and engineering, and Rashid Bashir, a bioengineering professor and dean of The Grainger College, marked a pivotal moment in the research. Van der Zande stated, "Combining our expertise allowed us to revisit and overcome barriers that had previously stalled the development of solid-state nanopore sensors."

The researchers identified that the rough surfaces of ultra-thin 3D materials, often containing dangling bonds, hindered electrical performance and sensitivity. They turned to 2D materials like molybdenum disulfide and tungsten diselenide, which naturally exist as monolayers without dangling bonds, to enhance the performance of their sensors.

By integrating a 2D heterostructure into the nanopore membrane, the team successfully created a nanometer-thick out-of-plane diode. This design allowed them to measure electrical current fluctuations during DNA translocation, while also controlling the speed of this translocation through applied biases.

“It’s a culmination of years of research, and we are finally achieving what was once deemed impossible in the nanopore community,” remarked van der Zande. The implications of this research are vast. As Bashir highlighted, the potential to collect genomic data from billions of patients could lead to tailored medicine and therapy regimens, making sequencing both faster and more affordable.

The researchers envision a future where arrays of millions of these 2D diodes could enable parallel sequencing of DNA, reducing the time required for sequencing from two weeks to just one hour. Furthermore, they anticipate a tenfold reduction in the cost of sequencing compared to current methodologies.

Looking ahead, the team plans to enhance their design by exploring alternating stacks of p-type and n-type 2D monolayers, which may improve control over DNA translocation. This advancement is expected to facilitate a more nuanced approach to genomic sequencing, pushing the boundaries of current technology.

In conclusion, the innovative work by the University of Illinois researchers represents a significant leap forward in the field of nanopore sensing technology. As they bridge the gap between 2D electronics and 3D nanopore sensing, the implications for precision medicine and genomic research are profound. The integration of advanced materials offers a promising pathway towards rapid and cost-effective DNA sequencing, ultimately enhancing our understanding of genetics and its applications in healthcare.