Zero-Depth Interfacial Nanopore Capillaries

Abstract

High-fidelity analysis of translocating biomolecules through nanopores demands shortening the nanocapillary length to a minimal value. Existing nanopores and capillaries, however, inherit a finite length from the parent membranes. Here, nanocapillaries of zero depth are formed by dissolving two superimposed and crossing metallic nanorods, molded in polymeric slabs. In an electrolyte, the interface shared by the crossing fluidic channels is mathematically of zero thickness and defines the narrowest constriction in the stream of ions through the nanopore device. This novel architecture provides the possibility to design nanopore fluidic channels, particularly with a robust 3D architecture maintaining the ultimate zero thickness geometry independently of the thickness of the fluidic channels. With orders of magnitude reduced biomolecule translocation speed, and lowered electronic and ionic noise compared to nanopores in 2D materials, the findings establish interfacial nanopores as a scalable platform for realizing nanofluidic systems, capable of single-molecule detection.

A novel architecture for nanopore devices, which combines zero physical nanopore length with ultimate stability, is introduced and characterized. With biomolecule translocation speed reduced by orders of magnitude, and lowered electronic and ionic noise compared to nanopores in 2D materials, interfacial nanopores are established as a scalable platform for realizing nanofluidic systems, capable of single-molecule detection.

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