DNA and RNA detection using graphene and hexagonal boron nitride based nanosensor

Van der Waals heterostructure made of various Two-dimensional (2D) layered materials can offer structural versatility and engineered functionality of the constituent layers, Graphene (Gr) and hexagonal boron nitride (BN) combination being a very popular example. On the other hand, rapid detection and sequencing of various DNA/RNA nucleobases is a very promising challenge of modern day medical science. In this work, we have investigated the behaviour of Gr, BN and their heterostructure based single electron transistor (SET) devices for the sensing/detection of such nucleobases. The electrostatics, adsorption, switching and transport behaviour etc. have been studied using first-principles based calculations in respective cases. It was observed that both graphene and BN layers offer large binding strength for the nucleobases, keeping the electronic properties undisturbed. The presence of a specific molecule within the SET can be identified from respective line scans and normalised differential conductance behaviour obtained from the charge stability diagrams. The current investigation offers a novel detection methodology for various DNA/RNA nucleobases, which is very energy efficient, offers superior detection sensitivity and wide temperature range of operation. Van der Waal’s heterostructure made of various two-dimensional layered materials have huge prospect in future nanoelectronics as it can offer engineered properties of the constituent layers. The heterostructure made of graphene and boron nitride (BN) is a very popular example, offering new degrees of freedom for device application. In this work, we have used it to design a novel nanosensor based on single electronic transistor for the detection and sequencing of various DNA/RNA nucleobases. First-principles calculations reveal that both graphene and BN offer superior adsorption properties and in a SET environment, very efficient switching at mV excitations. An efficient detection scheme was proposed and systematics was investigated, which is found to be energy efficient, operational over wide temperature range and offering superior detection efficiency. [Display omitted]