Detecting and characterizing individual molecules with single nanopores

Single-nanometer-scale pores have demonstrated the capability for the detection, identification, and characterization of individual molecules. This measurement method could soon extend the existing commercial instrumentation or provide solutions to niche applications in many fields, including health care and the basic sciences. However, that paradigm shift requires a significantly better understanding of the physics and chemistry that govern the interactions between nanopores and analytes. We describe herein some of our methods and approaches to address this issue.