Nanochannels Fabrication, Filling and DNA Manipulation

Fabrication of nanochannels is drawing considerable interest due to its broad applications in nanobiotechnology (e.g. biomolecular sensing and single DNA manipulation). Nanochannels offer distinct advantages in allowing a slower translocation and multiple sensing spots along the channel both of which improve the read-out resolution. However, implementing electrodes inside nanochannel has rarely been demonstrated to our knowledge. Therefore, we are highly motivated to do this research. The device described in this work is a Si-Glass anodically bonded Lab-on-a-Chip (LOC) device of a few millimeters in size using femtoliters in volume capable of performing DNA manipulation. The LOC structure is based on two mainstream microchannels interconnected by nanochannels. Organic samples as DNA will be released in the microfluidic mainstream and then, once confined in the nanochannels, are observed, manipulated and analyzed. We expect the general folded shape of DNA evolves to the unfolded linear shape due to the confinement in narrow channels. This shape is especially suitable for advanced manipulation and analysis.