Nanosequencing device based on redox-labeling and a rotationally symmetric electrode arrangement around a nanopore

A method for sequencing a polynucleotide strand comprising:

• providing a sample containing a polynucleotide strand with a first nucleotide having a first electroactive label and a second nucleotide having a second electroactive label, the second electroactive label being distinguishable from the first electroactive label, to a device including a layer stack on a silicon wafer, the layer stack comprising a first electrode and a second electrode separated by a dielectric insulating layer, and a nanohole drilled through the layer stack so that the first and second electrodes are rotationally arranged around the nanohole;
• applying an electrical signal to the first and second electrodes;
• and
• measuring a current (I) as a function of an applied potential (V) when the first and the second electroactive labels are present in the nanohole.

A method for forming a system for sequencing a polynucleotide strand comprising:

• assembling a base wafer by forming an etching mask on a backside of a silicon wafer, an etching stop on an opposite side of the silicon wafer, and a layer stack comprising a first electrode and a second electrode separated by a dielectric insulating layer on the etching stop;
• backside etching through the base wafer;
• removing the backside etching mask;
• opening a front side window;
• forming a nanohole through the layer stack, wherein the first and second electrodes are rotationally arranged around the nanohole to form a device;
• and
• configuring a controller to apply an electrical signal to the first and second electrodes, and to measure a current (I) as a function of an applied potential (V) when an electroactive label is present in the nanohole.