Single molecule sensing by nanopores and nanopore devices

Area of Science:

• Biophysics
• Nanotechnology
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Nanopores, molecular-scale pores, are created using protein ion channels or nanotechnology.
• Target molecule interactions with nanopores block ion flow, enabling detection.
• Nanopore sensing is versatile for detecting diverse biomedical targets.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review nanopore-based sensory techniques for biomedical targets.
• To present recent advancements in single-molecule detection using nanopores.
• To highlight novel applications of protein and glass nanopores.

Main Methods:

• Overview of existing nanopore-based sensory techniques.
• Utilizing protein nanopores for G-quadruplex aptamer folding studies.
• Developing portable biochips with single-protein pore sensors.
• Employing glass nanopore-terminated probes for molecular detection.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated nanopore use for studying G-quadruplex aptamer dynamics.
• Developed a portable, durable biochip with a single-protein pore sensor.
• Successfully used glass nanopores for DNA detection, chiral discrimination, and ricin identification.

Conclusions:

• Nanopore technology offers sensitive single-molecule detection capabilities.
• Advancements include portable sensors and versatile detection probes.
• Protein and glass nanopores show significant potential in biosensing and diagnostics.