Nanopore-Based Devices for Bioanalytical Applications

With over a decade passed since the first reported use of a Staphylococcal α-hemolysin pore to study single molecules of single-stranded DNA, research in the field of nanopores has advanced rapidly. We discuss the technological progression of nanopore-based devices from the initial use of α-hemolysin pores to the advent of solid-state nanopores to the burgeoning of organic-inorganic hybrid pores driven by the desire to achieve fast and inexpensive DNA sequencing. Additional nanopore-based efforts are also discussed that study other classes of molecules, such as proteins. We discuss the use of nanopores for protein folding and binding analysis. In addition to single-molecule analysis, we report on the introduction of nanopore arrays on thin film membranes for ultrafiltration. Owing to their reduced spatial dimensionality, such membranes offer greater control over how the pores interact with analytes thus leading to very efficient separation. With several technical hindrances yet to be overcome, the devices...