More-sensitive DNA nanowires promise better measurements of biological processes

Scientists have developed a new, gold-tipped nanowire that is 100 times more sensitive than previous versions of the technology. The nanowires could be used to more precisely measure multiple biological processes at the same time.

All previous iterations of the unique sensor have been two-dimensional, but scientists at KTH Royal Institute of Technology and Stockholm University developed a way to build DNA nanowires in 3D.

"Our geometry makes it much easier to measure several biomolecules simultaneously, and is also 100 times more sensitive," Wouter van der Wijngaart, a professor at KTH, said in a news release. "This is the first out-of-plane metallic nanowire formation based on stretching of DNA through a porous membrane."

DNA nanowires are designed to identify specific biomarker molecules in the test subject, even at extremely low concentrations. The technology could be used to detect and treat cancer, infections and other health problems.

Construction of the nanoscale DNA wires begins with the capture of specific molecules in a porous membrane. The molecules are designed to bind with specific biomarkers. The binding process stretches DNA molecules through pores in the membrane, forming the nanoscale ware.

"The DNA strands are stretched through the pores in the membrane during liquid removal by forced convection," scientists wrote in their paper, published in the journal Nature Microsystems & Nanoengineering. "Because the liquid-air interface movement across the membrane occurs in every pore, DNA stretching across the membrane is highly efficient."

The DNA nanowire is then treated with gold nanoparticles, making it conductive. The wire is organized to only bind with certain DNA sequences inside the test subject.

Nanowires like the kind developed by researchers at KTH and Stockholm University can be used to detect the presence of diseases and genetic disorders.

Related Links
Nano Technology News From SpaceMart.com
Computer Chip Architecture, Technology and Manufacture

Tweet

Thanks for being there;
We need your help. The SpaceDaily news network continues to grow but revenues have never been harder to maintain.

With the rise of Ad Blockers, and Facebook - our traditional revenue sources via quality network advertising continues to decline. And unlike so many other news sites, we don't have a paywall - with those annoying usernames and passwords.

Our news coverage takes time and effort to publish 365 days a year.

If you find our news sites informative and useful then please consider becoming a regular supporter or for now make a one off contribution.

SpaceDaily Monthly Supporter
$5+ Billed Monthly

paypal only

SpaceDaily Contributor
$5 Billed Once

credit card or paypal

Touchy nanotubes work better when clean
Houston TX (SPX) Feb 01, 2018
Carbon nanotubes bound for electronics need to be as clean as possible to maximize their utility in next-generation nanoscale devices, and scientists at Rice and Swansea universities have found a way to remove contaminants from the nanotubes. Rice chemist Andrew Barron, also a professor at Swansea in the United Kingdom, and his team have figured out how to get nanotubes clean and in the process discovered why the electrical properties of nanotubes have historically been so difficult to measure. ... read more