DNA translocation in inorganic nanotubes

Inorganic nanotubes were successfully integrated with microfluidic systems to create nanofluldic devices for single DNA molecule sensing. Inorganic nanotubes are unique in their high aspect ratio and exhibit translocation characteristics in which the DNA is fully stretched. Transient changes of ionic current indicate DNA translocation events. A transition from current decrease to current enhancement during translocation was observed on changing the buffer concentration, suggesting interplay between electrostatic charge and geometric blockage effects. These inorganic nanotube nanofluidic devices represent a new platform for the study of single biomolecule translocation with the potential for integration into nanofluidic circuits.