Project Details
Projekt
Solid-state nano-containers for triggered release of single molecules
Subject Area
Biophysics
Term
from 2013 to 2022
Project identifier
Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 228343258
Control over the flow of ions and solutes across biological membranes is intimately linked to life in general and information transfer in cellular networks in particular. Control over information transfer processes is usually achieved by externally triggered release of quantized amount of molecules in the synapses. Mimicking this behavior at the single molecule level will enable extra cellular studies of these processes, and further provide a platform for controlled and local release of minute amount of pharmaceutical substances. The aim of this project is to construct miniature containers from which quantized amounts of molecules, potentially down to the single molecule level resolution, will be released upon external triggering. To this aim we will (i) fabricate miniature cavities (atto-femto liter in volume) with nanometric apertures in silicon wafers by combining advanced wafer scale and unique nano fabrication techniques, (ii) develop either chemically (based on dynamic protein processes) or electrically controlled gates, and (iii) demonstrate and optimize device performance. In order to achieve the ambitious goals of the project, we have established collaboration between four research groups from Chemistry and Biochemistry to Engineering disciplines. The combined expertise of this group will provide the required fabrication, chemical synthesis, surface science, electronics, and singlemolecule detection skills. In addition to advancing fabrication of active nanometric devices, this combined strategy will provide a new horizon for biomedical applications of solid-state nanopore technology. It may further enable studies of cascade biological processes with high spatial resolution at the single molecule level.
DFG Programme
DIP Programme
International Connection
Israel
