Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 7, 2026
08:51
Monitoring Protein Adsorption with Solid-state Nanopores
Published on: December 2, 2011
14.1K
Dynamics of a Molecular Plug Docked onto a Solid-State Nanopore
1Key Laboratory for Advanced Materials, School of Chemistry &Molecular Engineering , East China University of Science and Technology , Shanghai 200237 , PR China.
The Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters
|July 31, 2018
Summary
Researchers studied protein-DNA complex docking onto solid-state nanopores. They found docking configurations dictate current levels, enabling single-molecule sensing and DNA conformational change detection.
Area of Science:
- Biophysics
- Nanotechnology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Biological nanopores enable DNA sequencing via protein-DNA complex docking.
- Solid-state nanopores offer potential but lack understanding of the docking process.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate protein-DNA complex behavior during docking onto solid-state nanopores.
- To understand the factors influencing ionic current fluctuations during docking.
- To demonstrate single-molecule sensing capabilities using this docking principle.
Main Methods:
- Monitoring nanopore ionic current during the docking of monovalent streptavidin-DNA complexes.
- Analyzing fluctuations between discrete current blockade levels.
- Detecting conformational changes of tethered DNA molecules (random coil to i-motif).
Main Results:
- Repeat docking events produced fluctuating ionic current blockades at discrete levels.
- Docking configurations determine the number of current blockade levels observed.
- Molecular interactions with the solid-state membrane control the frequency of current level switching.
Conclusions:
- The study clarifies the mechanism of protein-DNA complex docking onto solid-state nanopores.
- Nanopore docking configurations and molecular interactions are key to current signal characteristics.
- Solid-state nanopore docking is feasible for single-molecule sensing, including DNA conformational analysis.
Related Concept Videos
02:54Molecular and Ionic Solids
20.2K
Crystalline solids are divided into four types: molecular, ionic, metallic, and covalent network based on the type of constituent units and their interparticle interactions.
Molecular Solids
Molecular crystalline solids, such as ice, sucrose (table sugar), and iodine, are solids that are composed of neutral molecules as their constituent units. These molecules are held together by weak intermolecular forces such as London dispersion forces, dipole-dipole interactions, or hydrogen bonds, which...
Molecular Solids
Molecular crystalline solids, such as ice, sucrose (table sugar), and iodine, are solids that are composed of neutral molecules as their constituent units. These molecules are held together by weak intermolecular forces such as London dispersion forces, dipole-dipole interactions, or hydrogen bonds, which...
20.2K
02:26Molecular Comparison of Gases, Liquids, and Solids
55.3K
Particles in a solid are tightly packed together (fixed shape) and often arranged in a regular pattern; in a liquid, they are close together with no regular arrangement (no fixed shape); in a gas, they are far apart with no regular arrangement (no fixed shape). Particles in a solid vibrate about fixed positions (cannot flow) and do not generally move in relation to one another; in a liquid, they move past each other (can flow) but remain in essentially constant contact; in a gas, they move...
55.3K
01:22Formation of the Platelet Plug
9.3K
The platelet phase, the second stage of hemostasis, commences around 15-20 seconds after an injury. It follows and overlaps with the vascular phase, during which blood vessels constrict to minimize blood loss.
As the injured blood vessel contracts, endothelial cells undergo contraction, revealing collagen fibers in the basement membrane and underlying connective tissue. Furthermore, the plasma membrane of endothelial cells becomes adhesive, preparing the site for platelet adhesion. Platelets...
As the injured blood vessel contracts, endothelial cells undergo contraction, revealing collagen fibers in the basement membrane and underlying connective tissue. Furthermore, the plasma membrane of endothelial cells becomes adhesive, preparing the site for platelet adhesion. Platelets...
9.3K
02:37Metallic Solids
20.8K
Metallic solids such as crystals of copper, aluminum, and iron are formed by metal atoms. The structure of metallic crystals is often described as a uniform distribution of atomic nuclei within a “sea” of delocalized electrons. The atoms within such a metallic solid are held together by a unique force known as metallic bonding that gives rise to many useful and varied bulk properties.
All metallic solids exhibit high thermal and electrical conductivity, metallic luster, and malleability....
All metallic solids exhibit high thermal and electrical conductivity, metallic luster, and malleability....
20.8K
02:22Structures of Solids
17.9K
Solids in which the atoms, ions, or molecules are arranged in a definite repeating pattern are known as crystalline solids. Metals and ionic compounds typically form ordered, crystalline solids. A crystalline solid has a precise melting temperature because each atom or molecule of the same type is held in place with the same forces or energy. Amorphous solids or non-crystalline solids (or, sometimes, glasses) which lack an ordered internal structure and are randomly arranged. Substances that...
17.9K
02:18Network Covalent Solids
16.2K
Network covalent solids contain a three-dimensional network of covalently bonded atoms as found in the crystal structures of nonmetals like diamond, graphite, silicon, and some covalent compounds, such as silicon dioxide (sand) and silicon carbide (carborundum, the abrasive on sandpaper). Many minerals have networks of covalent bonds.
To break or to melt a covalent network solid, covalent bonds must be broken. Because covalent bonds are relatively strong, covalent network solids are typically...
To break or to melt a covalent network solid, covalent bonds must be broken. Because covalent bonds are relatively strong, covalent network solids are typically...
16.2K