Increasing the Rate of Detection of Single Molecules in Solution

Abstract

Single molecule detection in solution offers the prospect of counting individual molecules within small quantities of sample for ultrasensitive chemical analysis [1] and of enabling new approaches for bio-technology applications, such as rapid DNA sequencing and the detection of rare fluorescently-labeled biomolecules. However, further developments in the techniques are required in order to move from the proof-of-principle experiments reported to date, to the level of capability required for realization of the applications. In particular, an increase in the rate at which single molecules can be efficiently detected is required.