DOI: 10.1002/elps.201800426
The cover picture shows a single molecule of double stranded DNA electrophoretically transporting through a solid state nanopore in a SiNx membrane. Attached to the DNA are Li molecules which compose the experimental buffer and actively slow transport of the DNA. Transport is further slowed by applying a salt gradient between the cis and trans side of the membrane, denoted by the difference in background color. Nanopore biosensing relies on the ability to capture anomalies on nucleic acid molecules by observing current blockages caused by molecule translocation. Slowing DNA transport with LiCl salt gradients proves to be a low cost and efficient method of improving temporal resolution and increasing the viability of nanopore biosensors commercially.