A Two-pore Device to Reduce DNA Speed through a Nanopore

Researchers use nanopore devices to study polymers such as double-stranded DNA (dsDNA). Typically, a 48 kb λ dsDNA takes a few milliseconds to translocate a single solid-state nanopore. Reducing the speed of dsDNA through a nanopore could permit detecting features that are not otherwise observable. Currently, methods that appreciably reduce the dsDNA speed (e.g., at least 100X) require immobilization to a laser-controlled bead that uses complex instrumentation. We demonstrate a two-pore device and control logic that grabs the DNA at different regions simultaneously and pulls it in opposite directions. The voltages across the two individual pores are tuned to reduce the DNA speed. We show the total translocation time is maximized as the two pores pull the DNA at balanced force. We also illustrated the DNA will exit either pore depending on the difference forces of the two pores. In addition, the two-pore device detects mono-streptavidin “speed bumps” in the signal that decorate the DNA at site specific locations. By contrast, single nanopore events produced by the same molecules do not display such features. Electrical signals and optical image videos are used to demonstrate the control logic functions and speed reduction performance.