October 6th, 2009
Can IBM's DNA transistor someday take genetic sequencing mainstream?
IBM Research on Tuesday unveiled plans to create a “DNA transistor” that would result in personalized genetic testing for about $100 to $1,000. If successful, IBM could take genetic testing mainstream.
In other words, your future Best Buy shopping list may look like this: PC, digital camera, video game and DNA testing machine.
For now, IBM is drilling nano-sized holes in computer-like chips and slurping DNA strands through them to read the genetic code. This DNA transistor would slow the DNA long enough to decode it. The main objective: Create personalized genome analysis to better diagnose and treat health ailments.
The effort, scheduled to be unveiled at the Cleveland Clinic later today, features a team of scientists focused on nanofabrication, microelectronics, physics and biology. This group is trying to thread a DNA molecule through a three nanometer wide hole in a microchip. Each unit of DNA will be read by a sensor.
Here’s the architecture:
And a much prettier picture:
But here’s the problem: IBM needs to control the rate of DNA strand movement. So far, nobody has figured out how to control a DNA strand as it travels through that three nanometer hole, known as a nanopore. IBM said it is tinkering with the voltage in the nanopore to trap the DNA strand.
It’s unclear whether the IBM Research effort will make DNA Transistors a reality, but it’s certainly worth a shot.
Larry Dignan is Editor in Chief of ZDNet and Editorial Director of ZDNet sister site TechRepublic. See his full profile and disclosure of his industry affiliations.
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