New Nanotechnology Efficiently Unzips DNA for Quick and Easy Genetic Testing

Understanding our genetic makeup requires decoding the DNA double helix, a structure that must first be carefully “unzipped” to reveal its sequence. Traditional DNA denaturation techniques rely on intense heating and chemical processes, which are not only energy-intensive but can also damage delicate DNA molecules. These methods are slow, require the entire sample to be heated, and reduce the precision of downstream analysis. Accurate and efficient unzipping of DNA is essential for personalized genomics, yet current technologies fall short in providing quick, non-destructive, and power-efficient solutions. Now, a new technology offers a way to unzip DNA gently and precisely using localized heat, allowing for the real-time reading of individual DNA strands without damaging them.

A nanotechnology-based system, developed by researchers at The University of Osaka (Osaka, Japan), addresses these challenges using a microscopic platinum coil heater integrated into a nanopore device. As DNA approaches the nano-sized pore, the voltage applied to the coil produces heat, locally unzipping the double helix and enabling single-strand reading. A significant benefit of this approach is its energy efficiency—it requires just a few milliwatts of power to operate. The device allows for precise control over the unzipping process, including the timing and speed, while minimizing DNA damage. This is achieved by regulating the molecule’s movement through the pore using electrical signals and observing its interaction with surrounding forces like fluid drag and temperature. These insights are key to further advancing nanopore-based DNA sequencing technologies.

Image: Schematic model depicting single molecule DNA denaturation by Joule heat generated at the coil-shaped nanoheater around a nanopore (Photo courtesy of Makusu Tsutsui)

The new method was validated using a long viral DNA molecule of nearly 50,000 base pairs and a smaller circular plasmid. In both cases, only minimal heat was needed to initiate unzipping. The results, published in ACS Nano, demonstrate how the device enables fine-tuned, real-time control of DNA strand separation. Its compact, low-power design holds promise for integration into portable diagnostic tools, paving the way for on-site genetic testing. Such tools could revolutionize personalized medicine by rapidly identifying disease-causing genes and supporting treatment decisions tailored to a person’s unique genetic profile. Researchers aim to refine the system for broader clinical and research applications, potentially transforming how genetic data is accessed and utilized in healthcare.

“Our device should be easy to manufacture and, we hope, will become a core technology for fast and accurate next-generation sequencing. The device is microscopic and consumes very little power, so it could potentially be incorporated into portable diagnostic devices, allowing on-site access to genetic information that can guide diagnosis and treatment,” said Tomoji Kawai, senior author and professor at The University of Osaka.

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