Cluster Enhanced Nanopore Spectrometry

Author

Amy ChavisFollow

DOI

https://doi.org/10.25772/TDYS-7313

Defense Date

2016

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Physics and Applied Physics

First Advisor

Joseph Reiner

Abstract

Nanopore sensing is a label-free method used to characterize water-soluble molecules. Recent work describes how Au₂₅(SG)₁₈ clusters improve the single molecule nanopore spectrometry (SMNS) technique when analyzing polyethylene glycol (PEG). This thesis will further study and optimize the enhancement effect resulting from a cluster’s presence. Additionally, a model describing the interaction between a cluster and PEG is developed to assist in understanding this mechanism of enhancement. This thesis will also discuss expanding the SMNS method to detect peptides, using Au₂₅(SG)₁₈ for enhancement, and adjusting solution conditions to improve the sensitivity of the SMNS system for peptide detection. Finally, a model describing the relationship between nanopore current blockades and molecular weight is developed to demonstrate the feasibility of using SMNS as a viable analytical technique for characterizing a wide variety of water-soluble molecules.

Rights

© The Author

Is Part Of

VCU University Archives

Is Part Of

VCU Theses and Dissertations

Date of Submission

5-12-2016