Temporal resolution of nanopore sensor recordings.

Area of Science:

• Biophysics
• Electrical Engineering
• Materials Science

Background:

• Nanopore sensors offer a platform for biological and chemical analysis.
• Temporal resolution is a critical parameter for capturing fast dynamic events in nanopore recordings.
• Existing nanopore sensing platforms face limitations in temporal resolution due to electronic noise and frequency response.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the factors limiting temporal resolution in nanopore sensor recordings.
• To present a novel high-speed nanopore sensing platform.
• To demonstrate the benefits of integrating nanopores with custom low-noise complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) circuitry.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of small-signal frequency response and accumulated noise power in nanopore recordings.
• Development of high-speed nanopore sensing platforms through physical integration.
• Utilizing custom low-noise complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) circuitry for signal amplification.

Main Results:

• Identified limits to temporal resolution arising from frequency response and noise.
• Demonstrated improved signal-to-noise ratio through close physical proximity of sensor and amplifier electronics.
• Achieved enhanced effective temporal resolution in nanopore recordings via integrated CMOS circuitry.

Conclusions:

• Physical integration of nanopores with low-noise CMOS circuitry is crucial for overcoming temporal resolution limitations.
• Reducing parasitic capacitances through proximity enhances signal quality and temporal resolution.
• The developed high-speed nanopore sensing platforms show promise for advanced applications requiring high temporal fidelity.