DNA Characterization by Transverse Electrical Current in a Nanochannel

We review an approach for the characterization of single-stranded DNA based on the statistical identification of single bases via transverse electronic transport while DNA translocates in a nanopore or nanochannel. We describe the theoretical methods used to demonstrate this method for experimentally realizable systems and discuss the different physical processes involved. Recent experimental reports have shown the validity of this approach, although further work is necessary to make this a practical fast sequencing tool.