Nanopore sensors for single molecular protein detection: Research progress based on computer simulations.

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Biophysics
• Computational Biology

Background:

• Proteins are crucial macromolecules involved in diverse cellular functions, including DNA replication, metabolic signaling, and environmental sensing.
• Accurate protein sequencing is vital for elucidating protein structure-function relationships, aiding disease diagnosis, and facilitating drug design.
• Nanopore sensors represent an emerging technology for label-free, high-throughput protein sequencing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the advancements in nanopore sensor applications for protein sequencing over the last decade.
• To discuss computational simulation approaches for understanding protein translocation through nanopores.
• To identify solutions to key challenges in nanopore protein sequencing from a simulation perspective.

Main Methods:

• Review of recent literature on nanopore sensor technology for protein analysis.
• Analysis of computer simulation studies detailing atomic-level protein transport through nanopores.
• Synthesis of findings to highlight progress and challenges in the field.

Main Results:

• Nanopore-based biosensors have demonstrated significant utility in detecting and analyzing biomolecules like DNA, RNA, and proteins.
• Computer simulations provide atomic-level insights into the complex process of protein movement within nanopores.
• A decade of research shows substantial progress in nanopore protein sequencing, with ongoing efforts to overcome existing hurdles.

Conclusions:

• Nanopore sensors are a promising platform for advancing protein sequencing capabilities.
• Computational simulations are indispensable tools for optimizing nanopore sequencing protocols and interpreting experimental data.
• This review provides a roadmap for the future development of nanopore-based protein sequencing technologies.