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Graphene or MoS2 nanopores: pore adhesion and protein linearization
Peijia Wei1, Mayukh Kansari1, Maria Fyta1
1Computational Biotechnology, RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 3, 52074 Aachen, Germany. pwei@biotec.rwth-aachen.de.
Nanoscale
|December 24, 2024
Summary
Two-dimensional nanopores, graphene and MoS2, offer distinct protein detection capabilities. Graphene requires a denaturant to prevent protein adhesion, while MoS2 allows translocation in physiological solutions with longer passage times.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Biophysics
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Nanopores facilitate biomolecule detection via electrophoretic driving.
- Two-dimensional materials like graphene and molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) are promising for nanopore fabrication.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare graphene and MoS2 nanopores for protein detection.
- To investigate the influence of solvent conditions on protein translocation dynamics.
- To assess the efficiency of protein threading and signal generation in different nanopore materials.
Main Methods:
- Atomistic simulations were employed to analyze protein-nanopore interactions.
- Protein translocation efficiency was evaluated based on ionic current signals.
- The effects of monovalent salt and molecular solutions on protein behavior were studied.
Main Results:
- Graphene nanopores exhibit protein adhesion under physiological conditions, hindering translocation.
- Denaturant addition to graphene systems promotes protein threading in a linearized state.
- MoS2 nanopores allow protein translocation in physiological solutions, albeit with longer durations and less linearization compared to graphene in molecular solutions.
Conclusions:
- The choice of 2D material significantly impacts protein translocation and detection efficiency.
- Solvent engineering, including the use of denaturants, is crucial for optimizing protein detection in graphene nanopores.
- MoS2 offers an alternative for protein detection in physiological conditions, with distinct translocation dynamics.
