Lawrence Burr Zimmerman, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Ohio State University, 125 Koffolt Labs, 140 W. 19th Ave., Columbus, OH 43210, L. James Lee, The Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Ohio State University, 125 Koffolt Labs, 140 W. 19th Ave., Columbus, OH 43210, Frantisek Svec, Department of Chemistry, University of California at Berkeley, 729 Latimer Hall, Berkeley, CA 94720-1460, and Michael. D. Rauscher, Materials Science and Engineering, The Ohio State University, 477 Watts Hall, 2041 College Rd., Columbus, OH 43210.
Our novel metal-oxide based nanostructures present a tunable, low-cost, robust platform for nanofluidic devices. We created an orthogonal network of nanochannels (50-200nm) and drove DNA through them via electrophoresis and capillary action. These dimensions distributed uniformly across large areas (25 mm2 currently, larger expected) are optimal for examining DNA, proteins, or other nanoparticles. We imaged individual molecules of DNA within the channels and demonstrate separation of DNA by size. We also characterized the surface of the nanoislands, made of a mixture of GDC (gadolinium doped ceria) and YSZ (yttria-stabilized zirconia), and developed means for modifying the naturally hydrophilic surface via UV-initiated polymer grafting. The nanoislands can be selectively treated based on surface chemistry and photolithography. Finally, we demonstrate pattern transfer to polymers to enable inexpensive polymeric nanofluidic devices. The nanoislands and substrate are much stronger than silicon wafers, making a superior mold material.
