Abstract: Systems for detecting fluorescence from a molecule comprising an ion-impermeable film comprising at least one ion-conducting nanopore; a first and second liquid reservoir separated by the film; a means to induce movement of the molecule from the first reservoir to the second reservoir via the nanopore; a light source capable of exciting the molecule to emit fluorescence, wherein the light source shines into the second reservoir; a metallic layer adhered to the film by an adhesion layer and comprising a nanowell structure located adjacent to the nanopore; and a detector configured to detect the fluorescence emitted by the molecule are provided. Methods of use of the systems are also provided.

Abstract: The invention comprises a method for determining a nucleotide sequence of a polynucleotide. In some embodiments, the method comprises providing a solid state substrate comprising a cis side and a trans side. The fluorescently labeled polynucleotide strand comprises (i) a proximal end that is attached to the carrier particle, (ii) a distal end that is cleavable by an exonuclease, and (iii) at least one fluorescently labeled nucleotide comprising a fluorescent label. The trans side of the substrate is illuminated with excitation light to create a fluorescence excitation zone. While the substrate is illuminated, the fluorescently labeled polynucleotide strand is reacted with an exonuclease so that mononucleotides are released serially from the distal end of the strand and diffuse through the fluorescence excitation zone, so that fluorescently labeled mononucleotides in the excitation zone emit fluorescent signals.

Abstract: The invention is directed to methods of making stable lipid bilayers supported by a solid state nanopore array. Exemplary methods include the steps of masking a first layer on a planar support to form dry etch zones; dry etching the dry etch zones to form an array of apertures extending into but not through the first layer; masking a second side of the planar support body to form an etch region aligned with the array of apertures; wet etching the etch region to expose a surface of the first layer; dry etching the exposed surface of the first layer to a depth overlapping the apertures so that apertures of the array provide fluid communication across the first layer; and disposing a lipid bilayer on a surface of the first layer on a side opposite the planar support which encompasses the array of apertures.

Abstract: Systems for detecting fluorescence from a molecule comprising an ion-impermeable film comprising at least one ion-conducting nanopore; a first and second liquid reservoir separated by the film; a means to induce movement of the molecule from the first reservoir to the second reservoir via the nanopore; a light source capable of exciting the molecule to emit fluorescence, wherein the light source shines into the second reservoir; a metallic layer adhered to the film by an adhesion layer and comprising a nanowell structure located adjacent to the nanopore; and a detector configured to detect the fluorescence emitted by the molecule are provided. Methods of use of the systems are also provided.

Abstract: A device having a nano-wire array and a method for manufacturing an array of nano-wires. The method includes spraying on a substrate droplets of a suspension that comprises nano-wires and at least a partially volatile solvent; and evaporating the at least partially volatile solvent of the droplets to form the array of nano-wires. At least one of the spraying and the evaporating comprises executing at least one aggregation reduction measure for limiting a formation of three dimensional aggregations of nano-wires on the substrate.

Abstract: The invention is directed to methods of making stable lipid bilayers supported by a solid state nanopore array. Exemplary methods include the steps of masking a first layer on a planar support to form dry etch zones; dry etching the dry etch zones to form an array of apertures extending into but not through the first layer; masking a second side of the planar support body to form an etch region aligned with the array of apertures; wet etching the etch region to expose a surface of the first layer; dry etching the exposed surface of the first layer to a depth overlapping the apertures so that apertures of the array provide fluid communication across the first layer; and disposing a lipid bilayer on a surface of the first layer on a side opposite the planar support which encompasses the array of apertures.

Abstract: A device having a nano-wire array and a method for manufacturing an array of nano-wires. The method includes spraying on a substrate droplets of a suspension that comprises nano-wires and at least a partially volatile solvent; and evaporating the at least partially volatile solvent of the droplets to form the array of nano-wires. At least one of the spraying and the evaporating comprises executing at least one aggregation reduction measure for limiting a formation of three dimensional aggregations of nano-wires on the substrate.