# Ion Fountain Nanopore Readers for High-Resolution DNA and RNA Sequencing

> **NIH NIH R21** · NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY · 2022 · $299,446

## Abstract

Project Summary
We propose to develop a new paradigm in nanopore-based sensing, involving ion-fountain nanopore readers
(IFNRs). In these devices, a DNA or RNA molecule is moved through a sub-2-nm pore, and electronic sensing
of the DNA sequence is made by recording the rate at which ions floss back and forth between the bulk and
the very small volume of space within the membrane that contains the pore. A key component of the device is
related to MXenes, two-dimensional layered materials that are electrically conductive, hydrophilic, and most
importantly, intercalate various cations in the interstitial region between their sheets. We have recently
developed a method for waferscale assembly of monolayer and bilayer MXene sheets in which MXene flakes
spontaneously organize to a mosaic of electrically conductive large-area ordered films. By making a bilayer
MXene film with a sub-2-nm diameter hole through it, we create an ion fountain that stores and releases ions
by passing them through the pore opening. The main advantage of this type of a nanopore sensor is that
access resistance is eliminated on one side of the pore, which beats fundamental resolution limits of
conventional nanopore sensing. Another advantage of this type of a device is that a physically thicker pore can
be fabricated while still exhibiting a resolution of an atomically-thin nanopore membrane. We are proposing
here to develop the IFNR architecture, supplemental electronics measurement platform that allows DNA and
RNA capture and readout, and software for basecalling. If successful, our devices will be able to read
DNA/RNA faster than state-of-the-art technology (>1,000 bases per second) and further, detect at high
accuracy various types of DNA and RNA base modifications.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10448254
- **Project number:** 5R21HG011689-02
- **Recipient organization:** NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Meni Wanunu
- **Activity code:** R21 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $299,446
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2021-07-15 → 2023-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10448254

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10448254, Ion Fountain Nanopore Readers for High-Resolution DNA and RNA Sequencing (5R21HG011689-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10448254. Licensed CC0.

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