DYnamic control in hybrid plasmonic NAnopores: road to next generation multiplexed single MOlecule detection

In the quest to develop platforms to decipher the information in biomolecules there is an increasingly demand for techniques that are capable of identifying specific biomolecules at the smallest possible concentration, controlling their capturing and movement at the nanoscale. Nanopore sequencing is a key technology to drive this progress, and solid-state nanopores can be a major technological player. In the field of solid-state nanopores, many challenges remain in particular toward i) design and fabricate nanopore with size comparable to biological pores, ii) dynamic control of single molecule translocation, and iii) multiplexed read-out. Progress toward integrated platforms where both solid-state and biological nanostructures are implemented has been brought by the development of functional nanomaterials and DNA nanotechnology, able to address the importance of nanoscale precision in nanopore platforms with the potential to surpass the performance of biological nanopores. Yet, the integration of biological and synthetic nanomaterials is technically challenging, and their use to fully control and measure single molecule is far from real-world applications. DYNAMO is designed as an innovative research and training network, where we will recruit 10 Researchers to work toward the ambitious goal of developing the next-generation single molecule technologies exploiting hybrid DNA and metallic nanostructures. The network brings together a unique team of 8 world-leading academics and 1 high tech innovative company at the forefront of optical spectroscopy, DNA nanostructures, nanopore technology developments, single molecule detection and control, and biotech real-world applications. DYNAMO will establish an intersectoral training and research programme at the physics/chemistry/biotech interface with partners from 6 EU countries, aimed at creating the next generation of skilled well-connected scientists that will pioneer the ‘single molecule science of tomorrow’.