Nanofluidics, the study of fluid behavior and motion in nanoscale systems, is still in its infancy. Significant advances in this field are urgently needed for biomolecular sensing, sequencing, and separation. We will fabricate hybrid nanochannels with different wall materials, investigate electroosmotic flow in these nanochannels, and explore the feasibility of active trapping of single biomolecules with these nanochannels.
The proposed work is based on the PIs' previous experience in nanotechnology and fluid mechanics. The PIs will develop the fabrication process to make two types of nanochannels: SiO2 channels and hybrid channels with both SiO2 and Al2O3 as wall materials. Electroosmotic flow inside these nanochannels will be investigated by measuring the electric current and detecting fluorescent signals. Theoretical predictions will be carried out to explain the experimental observations. The PIs will use these nanochannels to explore the world's smallest recirculation flow inside nanochannels. The proposed research will advance the understanding of electroosmotic flow with nano-confinement and provide a feasibility study for single biomolecule manipulation inside nanochannels, which will extend the frontier of drug discovery research.
