Journal of Physical Chemistry B, Vol.113, No.40, 13332-13336, 2009
Slowing DNA Translocation through Nanopores Using a Solution Containing Organic Salts
One of the key challenges to nanopore DNA sequencing is to slow down DNA translocation. Here, we report that the translocation velocities of various DNA homo- and copolymers through protein pores could be significantly decreased by using electrolyte Solutions containing organic salts. Using a butyl-methylimidazolium chloride (BMIM-Cl) Solution instead of the commonly used KCl solution, DNA translocation rates on the order of hundreds of microseconds per nucleotide base were achieved. The much enhanced resolution of the nanopore coupled with different event blockage amplitudes produced by different nucleotides permits the convenient differentiation between various DNA molecules.