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Updated: Jul 10, 2025
Proteome-wide Quantification of Labeling Homogeneity at the Single Molecule Level
Published on: April 19, 2019
Ready-to-use nanopore platform for label-free small molecule quantification: Ethanolamine as first example
Isabel Quint1, Jonathan Simantzik2, Lars Kaiser2
1Institute of Precision Medicine, Furtwangen University, Jakob-Kienzle-Strasse 17, Villingen-Schwenningen 78054, Germany; Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Eberhard-Karls-University Tuebingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 8, Tuebingen 72076, Germany.
This study introduces a novel label-free method for quantifying small molecules using protein nanopore technology. The assay detects ethanolamine in the micromolar range, offering a cost-effective alternative to traditional methods.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Nanotechnology
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Nanopore technology is emerging as a powerful diagnostic tool for RNA/DNA sequencing and small molecule detection.
- Current methods for small molecule detection, such as HPLC and LC-MS, can be expensive or difficult.
- DNA aptamers offer sensitive and specific detection capabilities for small molecules.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a label-free method for quantifying small molecules using a nanopore sequencing platform.
- To demonstrate the utility of this method for detecting ethanolamine.
- To establish a cost-effective and sensitive alternative to existing analytical techniques.
Main Methods:
- A strand displacement assay was developed utilizing DNA aptamers and magnetic particles.
- Ethanolamine displaces the aptamer from magnetic particles, allowing for detection.
- The concentration of non-displaced aptamer was quantified using a protein nanopore system.
Main Results:
- The developed method successfully quantified ethanolamine in the micromolar range.
- The assay demonstrated sensitivity and specificity for small molecule detection.
- This represents the first label-free approach for small molecule detection in a protein nanopore system.
Conclusions:
- The novel nanopore-based assay provides a sensitive and label-free method for small molecule quantification.
- This approach offers a cost-effective alternative to conventional analytical techniques like HPLC and LC-MS.
- The method has significant potential for various diagnostic and analytical applications.
