Diffusion dynamics of latex nanoparticles coated with ssDNA across a single nanopore

Abstract

The fundamental understanding of the transport mechanisms of objects across a single nanopore is one key point to develop Coulter counters at the nanoscale for macromolecule or nanoparticle detection. In this area, nanoparticles have been less investigated than biomacromolecules such as DNA or proteins due to their self-aggregation in the presence of salts. In this work, the transport of modified latex nanoparticles across solid-state nanopores was investigated. To prevent their aggregation, their surface was modified with a low molecular weight single strand DNA coating. Then the coated nanoparticles were successfully detected across a single pore material in 200 mM NaCl buffer. The experimental capture rate was compared to that of the predictive model. It reveals that the nanoparticle entrance inside the nanopore is mainly governed by diffusion and required a weak energy. For relative current blockades, the predictive model should take into account both the nanopore shape and the additional charge due to ssDNA coating.