مقاله انگلیسی رایگان در مورد شبیه سازی اتمی در توالی یابی DNA با جریان الکتریکی- الزویر 2015

Abstract

We review recent advances in the DNA sequencing method based on measurements of transverse electrical currents. Device configurations proposed in the literature are classified according to whether the molecular fingerprints appear as the major (Mode I) or perturbing (Mode II) current signals. Scanning tunneling microscope and tunneling electrode gap configurations belong to the former category, while the nanochannels with or without an embedded nanopore belong to the latter. The molecular sensing mechanisms of Modes I and II roughly correspond to the electron tunneling and electrochemical gating, respectively. Special emphasis will be given on the computer simulation studies, which have been playing a critical role in the initiation and development of the field. We also highlight low-dimensional nanomaterials such as carbon nanotubes, graphene, and graphene nanoribbons that allow the novel Mode II approach. Finally, several issues in previous computational studies are discussed, which points to future research directions toward more reliable simulation of electrical current DNA sequencing devices.

Introduction

The sequencing of DNA not only has significant scientific implications in the context of deciphering the fundamental code of life but also represents an enormous opportunity to improve the well-being of humankind by ushering in a new era of personal or precision medicine (Mardis, 2011; Shendure and Aiden, 2012; Rabbani et al., 2014). A decade after the completion of the Human Genome Project in 2003, effort is now devoted into the development of next-generation DNA sequencing technologies that can meet the ‘$1000 genome’ goal set by National Institute of Health. In this endeavor, in contrast to the second-generation DNA sequencing technologies that still require polymerase chain reaction amplification and fluorescent labeling as in the first-generation counterpart, the newly-emerged third-generation DNA sequencing technologies propose single molecule detection based on changes in ionic or electrical currents