Detecting ssDNA at single-nucleotide resolution by sub-2-nanometer pore in monoatomic graphene: A molecular dynamics study

Obtaining a sequence-based signal at a resolution of single nucleotide during the passage of a DNA strand through nanopores remains a challenging problem. Here, we demonstrate by molecular dynamics simulations that the single-base resolution detection can be realized by pulling a single-stranded DNA through graphene nanopores with diameters down to similar to 1nm. By simply monitoring and analyzing the peak values of the pulling force profile, each nucleotide in the DNA strand can be identified and characterized, except for cytosine and thymine which remain indistinguishable. This intriguing character through narrow nanopores should help realize the low-cost and time-efficient DNA sequencing. (C) 2012 American Institute of Physics. [doi:10.1063/1.3686921]