  We propose an aqueous functionalized molybdenum disulfide nanoribbon
suspended over a solid electrode as the first capacitive displacement sensor
aimed at determining the DNA sequence. The detectable sequencing events arise
from the combination of Watson-Crick base-pairing, one of nature's most basic
lock-and-key-binding mechanisms, with the ability of appropriately sized
atomically thin membranes to flex substantially in response to sub-nanonewton
forces. We employ carefully designed numerical simulations and theoretical
estimates to demonstrate excellent (79 % to 86 %) raw target detection accuracy
at ~70 million bases per second and electrical measurability of the detected
events. In addition, we demonstrate reliable detection of repeated DNA motifs.
Finally, we argue that the use of a nanoscale opening (nanopore) is not
requisite for the operation of the proposed sensor and present a simplified
sensor geometry without the nanopore as part of the sensing element. Our
results therefore potentially suggest a realistic, inherently base-specific,
high-throughput electronic DNA sequencing device as a cost-effective de-novo
alternative to the existing methods.
