P.O.R.E.: A Programmable Ohmic Research Engine for Low-Cost Solid-State Nanopore Fabrication

Solid-state nanopores have emerged as a versatile, label-free platform for single-molecule sensing. However, conventional ex situ fabrication techniques, such as focused ion beam milling and transmission electron microscopy drilling, are constrained by high cost, low throughput, and dependence on specialized instrumentation, limiting their widespread adoption and scalability. In situ fabrication based on controlled dielectric breakdown (CDB) greatly simplifies the process, yet existing implementations often remain expensive and rely on proprietary software, restricting flexibility for method development. Here, we present P.O.R.E., a low-cost, compact and programmable system for controlled dielectric breakdown nanopore formation. This platform achieves system-level miniaturization and cost reduction without sacrificing electrical precision. Its compact control circuit and modular hardware design enable convenient, high-fidelity interfacing with nanopore chips and peripheral components. A Python-based software interface provides real-time monitoring, programmable feedback control, and an observer-based scheme for real-time pore-size estimation, while offering extensibility for diverse fabrication protocols. The system is USB-powered and smartphone-sized, with the core electronic hardware costs less than 100 US dollars, significantly lowering the barrier to entry. Experimental validation demonstrates nanopore formation across the 6-20 nm range, with stable electrical characteristics and low-frequency noise. DNA and protein translocation measurements acquired using a dedicated low-noise amplifier further confirm the downstream sensing functionality of the fabricated pores. This work establishes an accessible and extensible platform for solid-state nanopore fabrication and provides a foundation for future expansion toward more automated and parallel fabrication workflows.