arXiv · 2011.00408
Nanopores in atomically thin 2D nanosheets limit aqueous ssDNA transport
Abstract
Nanopores in 2D materials are highly desirable for DNA sequencing, yet achieving single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) transport through them is challenging. Using density functional theory calculations and molecular dynamics simulations we show that ssDNA transport through a pore in monolayer hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) is marked by a basic nanomechanical conflict. It arises from the notably inhomogeneous flexural rigidity of ssDNA and causes high friction $\textit{via}$ transient DNA desorption costs exacerbated by solvation effects. For a similarly sized pore in bilayer hBN, its self-passivated atomically smooth edge enables continuous ssDNA transport. Our findings shed light on the fundamental physics of biopolymer transport through pores in 2D materials.
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Alex Smolyanitsky, Binquan Luan. 2021-08-12. Nanopores in atomically thin 2D nanosheets limit aqueous ssDNA transport. https://doi.org/10.1103/physrevlett.127.138103
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