DNA Sensors: Highly Sensitive, Mechanically Stable Nanopore Sensors for DNA Analysis (Adv. Mater. 27/2009)

A new solid state nanopore biosensor for the analysis of individual DNA molecules is reported by Rashid Bashir and co‐workers on p. 2771 . The cover illustrates the passage of double‐stranded DNA through an Al 2 O 3 nanopore sensor fabricated using ALD and e‐beam‐induced sputtering processes. Hexagonal γ‐phase Al 2 O 3 nanocrystallites form during pore formation as shown, improving the mechanical stability and sensitivity of these nanopore sensors. The CMOS‐compatible nature of this process establishes this technology as a potential candidate for next‐generation DNA sequencing.