Within the ERC Starting Grant project M&M´s our team has developed several innovative fabrication and integration technologies for nanoelectromechanical systems (NEMS). In one of these research activities, we have invented and demonstrated a new methodology for parallel fabrication of electrically conductive electrode pairs separated by sub-2 nm wide gaps, enabling unprecedented fabrication of millions of such nanogap electrodes. To the best of our knowledge, there is no alternative technology available with comparable capabilities. We have identified bio-molecule detection and sequencing applications, including DNA sequencing using electron tunneling detection as one high-impact application that could be enabled by our nanogap electrode fabrication methodology. Sequencing of the genome of individual patients is vital to realize the potential of truly personalized medicine. However, current DNA sequencing technologies are still too slow and expensive for sequencing genomes for healthcare practice on a large scale. There is, therefore a critical need for a new sequencing platform that has the potential to sequence the full human genome within 1 hour for less than € 100. DNA sequencing based on electron tunneling detection (quantum sequencing) is one of the most promising next-generation sequencing technologies that potentially could reach this target. However, there currently is no technology available to fabricate, in a scalable fashion, large numbers of electrode pairs with 1-2 nm wide gaps that are integrated in nanopores. As a possible solution to this problem, our nanogap electrode methodology is addressing a potential multi-billion € market. In this ERC-PoC project we have investigated the most promising application cases to enter related markets, and viable business and IPR strategies for commercial exploitation of our nanogap electrode methodology. Furthermore, we have developed proof-of-concept demonstrations of using nanogap electrode devices in microfluidic systems. As a direct result of this project we have secured significant Swedish national research funding together with two researcher teams focusing on bio-molecule detection and DNA sequencing.
