1
|
Mehrafrooz B, Yu L, Pandey L, Siwy ZS, Wanunu M, Aksimentiev A. Electro-osmotic Flow Generation via a Sticky Ion Action. ACS NANO 2024; 18:17521-17533. [PMID: 38832758 PMCID: PMC11233251 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.4c00829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
Selective transport of ions through nanometer-sized pores is fundamental to cell biology and central to many technological processes such as water desalination and electrical energy storage. Conventional methods for generating ion selectivity include placement of fixed electrical charges at the inner surface of a nanopore through either point mutations in a protein pore or chemical treatment of a solid-state nanopore surface, with each nanopore type requiring a custom approach. Here, we describe a general method for transforming a nanoscale pore into a highly selective, anion-conducting channel capable of generating a giant electro-osmotic effect. Our molecular dynamics simulations and reverse potential measurements show that exposure of a biological nanopore to high concentrations of guanidinium chloride renders the nanopore surface positively charged due to transient binding of guanidinium cations to the protein surface. A comparison of four biological nanopores reveals the relationship between ion selectivity, nanopore shape, composition of the nanopore surface, and electro-osmotic flow. Guanidinium ions are also found to produce anion selectivity and a giant electro-osmotic flow in solid-state nanopores via the same mechanism. Our sticky-ion approach to generate electro-osmotic flow can have numerous applications in controlling molecular transport at the nanoscale and for detection, identification, and sequencing of individual proteins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Behzad Mehrafrooz
- Center for Biophysics and Quantitative Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
- Department of Physics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Luning Yu
- Department of Physics, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Laxmi Pandey
- Department of Physics, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Zuzanna S Siwy
- Department of Physics, University of California at Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, United States
| | - Meni Wanunu
- Department of Physics, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
- Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Aleksei Aksimentiev
- Center for Biophysics and Quantitative Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
- Department of Physics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Namani S, Kavetsky K, Lin CY, Maharjan S, Gamper HB, Li NS, Piccirilli JA, Hou YM, Drndic M. Unraveling RNA Conformation Dynamics in Mitochondrial Encephalomyopathy, Lactic Acidosis, and Stroke-like Episode Syndrome with Solid-State Nanopores. ACS NANO 2024; 18:17240-17250. [PMID: 38906834 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.4c04625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/23/2024]
Abstract
This study investigates transfer ribonucleic acid (tRNA) conformational dynamics in the context of MELAS (mitochondrial encephalomyopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke-like episodes) using solid-state silicon nitride (SiN) nanopore technology. SiN nanopores in thin membranes with specific dimensions exhibit high signal resolution, enabling real-time and single-molecule electronic detection of tRNA conformational changes. We focus on human mitochondrial tRNALeu(UAA) (mt-Leu(UAA)) that decodes Leu codons UUA/UUG (UUR) during protein synthesis on the mt-ribosome. The single A14G substitution in mt-Leu(UAA) is the major cause of MELAS disease. Measurements of current blockades and dwell times reveal distinct conformational dynamics of the wild-type (WT) and the A14G variant of mt-Leu(UAA) in response to the conserved post-transcriptional m1G9 methylation. While the m1G9-modified WT transcript adopts a more stable structure relative to the unmodified transcript, the m1G9-modified MELAS transcript adopts a less stable structure relative to the unmodified transcript. Notably, these differential features were observed at 0.4 M KCl, but not at 3 M KCl, highlighting the importance of experimental settings that are closer to physiological conditions. This work demonstrates the feasibility of the nanopore platform to discern tRNA molecules that differ by a single-nucleotide substitution or by a single methylation event, providing an important step forward to explore changes in the conformational dynamics of other RNA molecules in human diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Srilahari Namani
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Kyril Kavetsky
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Chih-Yuan Lin
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Sunita Maharjan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107, United States
| | - Howard B Gamper
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107, United States
| | - Nan-Sheng Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, United States
| | - Joseph A Piccirilli
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Department of Chemistry, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, United States
| | - Ya-Ming Hou
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107, United States
| | - Marija Drndic
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Xie Z, Chen Z, Li A, Huang B, Guo C, Zhai Y. Specific Small-Molecule Detection Using Designed Nucleic Acid Nanostructure Carriers and Nanopores. Anal Chem 2024; 96:8528-8533. [PMID: 38728651 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.4c00475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
In the realm of nanopore sensor technology, an enduring challenge lies in achieving the discerning detection of small biomolecules with a sufficiently high signal-to-noise ratio. This study introduces a method for reliably quantifying the concentration of target small molecules, utilizing tetrahedral DNA nanostructures as surrogates for the captured molecules through a magnetic-bead-based competition substitution mechanism. Magnetic Fe3O4-DNA tetrahedron nanoparticles (MNPs) are incorporated into a nanopore electrochemical system for small-molecule sensing. In the presence of the target, the DNA tetrahedron, featuring an aptamer tail acting as a molecular carrier, detaches from the MNPs due to aptamer deformation. Following removal of the MNPs, the DNA tetrahedron bound to the target traversed the nanopore by applying a positive potential. This approach exhibits various advantages, including heightened sensitivity, selectivity, an improved signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and robust anti-interference capabilities. Our findings demonstrate that this innovative methodology has the potential to significantly enhance the sensing of various small-molecule targets by nanopores, thereby advancing the sensitivity and dynamic range. This progress holds promise for the development of precise clinical diagnostic tools.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhipeng Xie
- The Institute for Advanced Studies, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, Hubei, P. R. China
| | - Zihao Chen
- The Institute for Advanced Studies, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, Hubei, P. R. China
| | - Aijia Li
- The Institute for Advanced Studies, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, Hubei, P. R. China
| | - Bing Huang
- Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Biology and Medicine (Ministry of Education), College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, Hubei, P. R. China
| | - Cunlan Guo
- Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Biology and Medicine (Ministry of Education), College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, Hubei, P. R. China
| | - Yueming Zhai
- The Institute for Advanced Studies, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, Hubei, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Meyer N, Torrent J, Balme S. Characterizing Prion-Like Protein Aggregation: Emerging Nanopore-Based Approaches. SMALL METHODS 2024:e2400058. [PMID: 38644684 DOI: 10.1002/smtd.202400058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 03/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
Prion-like protein aggregation is characteristic of numerous neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. This process involves the formation of aggregates ranging from small and potentially neurotoxic oligomers to highly structured self-propagating amyloid fibrils. Various approaches are used to study protein aggregation, but they do not always provide continuous information on the polymorphic, transient, and heterogeneous species formed. This review provides an updated state-of-the-art approach to the detection and characterization of a wide range of protein aggregates using nanopore technology. For each type of nanopore, biological, solid-state polymer, and nanopipette, discuss the main achievements for the detection of protein aggregates as well as the significant contributions to the understanding of protein aggregation and diagnostics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nathan Meyer
- Institut Européen des Membranes, UMR5635 University of Montpellier ENCSM CNRS, Place Eugène Bataillon, Cedex 5, Montpellier, 34095, France
- INM, University of Montpellier, INSERM, Montpellier, 34095, France
| | - Joan Torrent
- INM, University of Montpellier, INSERM, Montpellier, 34095, France
| | - Sébastien Balme
- Institut Européen des Membranes, UMR5635 University of Montpellier ENCSM CNRS, Place Eugène Bataillon, Cedex 5, Montpellier, 34095, France
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Lee WY, Wen C, Pham NH, Khaksaran MH, Lee SK, Zhang SL. Brownian Motion Paving the Way for Molecular Translocation in Nanopores. SMALL METHODS 2024:e2400042. [PMID: 38593378 DOI: 10.1002/smtd.202400042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Tracing fast nanopore-translocating analytes requires a high-frequency measurement system that warrants a temporal resolution better than 1 µs. This constraint may practically shift the challenge from increasing the sampling bandwidth to dealing with the rapidly growing noise with frequencies typically above 10 kHz, potentially making it still uncertain if all translocation events are unambiguously captured. Here, a numerical simulation model is presented as an alternative to discern translocation events with different experimental settings including pore dimension, bias voltage, the charge state of the analyte, salt concentration, and electrolyte viscosity. The model allows for simultaneous analysis of forces exerting on a large analyte cohort along their individual trajectories; these forces are responsible for the analyte movement leading eventually to the nanopore translocation. Through tracing the analyte trajectories, the Brownian force is found to dominate the analyte movement in electrolytes until the last moment at which the electroosmotic force determines the final translocation act. The mean dwell time of analytes mimicking streptavidin decreases from ≈6 to ≈1 µs with increasing the bias voltage from ±100 to ±500 mV. The simulated translocation events qualitatively agree with the experimental data with streptavidin. The simulation model is also helpful for the design of new solid-state nanopore sensors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Won-Yong Lee
- Division of Solid-State Electronics, Department of Electrical Engineering, Uppsala University, Uppsala, 75103, Sweden
| | - Chenyu Wen
- Department of Bionanoscience, Kavli Institute of Nanoscience, Delft University of Technology, Delft, 2629 HZ, The Netherlands
- Laboratory of Biophysics, Wageningen University, Wageningen, 6708 WE, The Netherlands
| | - Ngan Hoang Pham
- Division of Solid-State Electronics, Department of Electrical Engineering, Uppsala University, Uppsala, 75103, Sweden
| | - Mohammad Hadi Khaksaran
- Division of Solid-State Electronics, Department of Electrical Engineering, Uppsala University, Uppsala, 75103, Sweden
| | - Sang-Kwon Lee
- Department of Physics, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, 06974, South Korea
| | - Shi-Li Zhang
- Division of Solid-State Electronics, Department of Electrical Engineering, Uppsala University, Uppsala, 75103, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Yuan R, Zhang Z, Wu G, Zhang Y, Sha J, Chen Y, Si W. Unfolding of protein using MoS 2/SnS 2heterostructure for nanopore-based sequencing. NANOTECHNOLOGY 2024; 35:135501. [PMID: 38118165 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6528/ad177f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/22/2023]
Abstract
Protein sequencing is crucial for understanding the complex mechanisms driving biological functions. However, proteins are usually folded in their native state and the mechanism of fast protein conformation transitions still remains unclear, which make protein sequencing challenging. Molecular dynamics simulations with accurate force field are now able to observe the entire folding/unfolding process, providing valuable insights into protein folding mechanisms. Given that proteins can be unfolded, nanopore technology shows great potential for protein sequencing. In this study, we proposed to use MoS2/SnS2heterostructures to firstly unfold proteins and then detect them by a nanopore in the heterostructural membrane. All-atom molecular dynamics simulations performed in this work provided rich atomic-level information for a comprehensive understanding of protein unfolding process and mechanism on the MoS2/SnS2heterostructure, it was found that the strong binding of protein to SnS2nanostripe and hydrogen bond breaking were the main reasons for unfolding the protein on the heterostructure. After the protein was fully unfolded, it was restrained on the nanostripe because of the affinity of protein to the SnS2nanostripe. Thus by integrating the proposed unfolding technique with nanopore technology, detection of linear unfolded peptide was realized in this work, allowing for the identification of protein components, which is essential for sequencing proteins in the near future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Runyi Yuan
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Design and Manufacture of Micro-Nano Biomedical Instruments, School of Mechanical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 211100, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhen Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Design and Manufacture of Micro-Nano Biomedical Instruments, School of Mechanical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 211100, People's Republic of China
| | - Gensheng Wu
- School of Mechanical and Electronic Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, People's Republic of China
| | - Yin Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Design and Manufacture of Micro-Nano Biomedical Instruments, School of Mechanical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 211100, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingjie Sha
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Design and Manufacture of Micro-Nano Biomedical Instruments, School of Mechanical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 211100, People's Republic of China
| | - Yunfei Chen
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Design and Manufacture of Micro-Nano Biomedical Instruments, School of Mechanical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 211100, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Si
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Design and Manufacture of Micro-Nano Biomedical Instruments, School of Mechanical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 211100, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Acharjee MC, Ledden B, Thomas B, He X, Messina T, Giurleo J, Talaga D, Li J. Aggregation and Oligomerization Characterization of ß-Lactoglobulin Protein Using a Solid-State Nanopore Sensor. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 24:81. [PMID: 38202943 PMCID: PMC10781269 DOI: 10.3390/s24010081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Protein aggregation is linked to many chronic and devastating neurodegenerative human diseases and is strongly associated with aging. This work demonstrates that protein aggregation and oligomerization can be evaluated by a solid-state nanopore method at the single molecule level. A silicon nitride nanopore sensor was used to characterize both the amyloidogenic and native-state oligomerization of a model protein ß-lactoglobulin variant A (βLGa). The findings from the nanopore measurements are validated against atomic force microscopy (AFM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) data, comparing βLGa aggregation from the same samples at various stages. By calibrating with linear and circular dsDNA, this study estimates the amyloid fibrils' length and diameter, the quantity of the βLGa aggregates, and their distribution. The nanopore results align with the DLS and AFM data and offer additional insight at the level of individual protein molecular assemblies. As a further demonstration of the nanopore technique, βLGa self-association and aggregation at pH 4.6 as a function of temperature were measured at high (2 M KCl) and low (0.1 M KCl) ionic strength. This research highlights the advantages and limitations of using solid-state nanopore methods for analyzing protein aggregation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mitu C. Acharjee
- Material Science and Engineering, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA
| | - Brad Ledden
- Material Science and Engineering, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA
| | - Brian Thomas
- Department of Physics, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA
| | - Xianglan He
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA; (X.H.); (J.G.)
| | - Troy Messina
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA; (X.H.); (J.G.)
- Department of Physics, Berea College, Berea, KY 40404, USA
| | - Jason Giurleo
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA; (X.H.); (J.G.)
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Tarrytown, NY 10591, USA
| | - David Talaga
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA; (X.H.); (J.G.)
- Department of Chemistry, Sokol Institute, Montclair State University, Montclair, NJ 07043, USA
| | - Jiali Li
- Material Science and Engineering, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA
- Department of Physics, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Mehrafrooz B, Yu L, Siwy Z, Wanunu M, Aksimentiev A. Electro-Osmotic Flow Generation via a Sticky Ion Action. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.12.14.571673. [PMID: 38168277 PMCID: PMC10760089 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.14.571673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Selective transport of ions through nanometer-sized pores is fundamental to cell biology and central to many technological processes such as water desalination and electrical energy storage. Conventional methods for generating ion selectivity include placement of fixed electrical charges at the inner surface of a nanopore through either point mutations in a protein pore or chemical treatment of a solid-state nanopore surface, with each nanopore type requiring a custom approach. Here, we describe a general method for transforming a nanoscale pore into a highly selective, anion-conducting channel capable of generating a giant electro-osmotic effect. Our molecular dynamics simulations and reverse potential measurements show that exposure of a biological nanopore to high concentrations of guanidinium chloride renders the nanopore surface positively charged due to transient binding of guanidinium cations to the protein surface. A comparison of four biological nanopores reveals the relationship between ion selectivity, nanopore shape, composition of the nanopore surface, and electro-osmotic flow. Remarkably, guanidinium ions are also found to produce anion selectivity and a giant electro-osmotic flow in solid-state nanopores via the same mechanism. Our sticky-ion approach to generate electro-osmotic flow can have numerous applications in controlling molecular transport at the nanoscale and for detection, identification, and sequencing of individual proteins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Behzad Mehrafrooz
- Center for Biophysics and Quantitative Biology
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology
- Department of Physics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Luning Yu
- Department of Physics, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115 USA
| | - Zuzanna Siwy
- Department of Physics, University of California at Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Meni Wanunu
- Department of Physics, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115 USA
- Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Aleksei Aksimentiev
- Center for Biophysics and Quantitative Biology
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology
- Department of Physics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Tripathi P, Mehrafrooz B, Aksimentiev A, Jackson SE, Gruebele M, Wanunu M. A Marcus-Type Inverted Region in the Translocation Kinetics of a Knotted Protein. J Phys Chem Lett 2023; 14:10719-10726. [PMID: 38009629 PMCID: PMC11176711 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.3c02183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Knotted proteins are rare but important species, yet how their complex topologies affect their physical properties is not fully understood. Here we combine single molecule nanopore experiments and all-atom MD simulations to study the electric-field-driven unfolding during the translocation through a model pore of individual protein knots important for methylating tRNA. One of these knots shows an unusual behavior that resembles the behavior of electrons hopping between two potential surfaces: as the electric potential driving the translocation reaction is increased, the rate eventually plateaus or slows back down in the "Marcus inverted regime". Our results shed light on the influence of topology in knotted proteins on their forced translocation through a pore connecting two electrostatic potential wells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Prabhat Tripathi
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University), Varanasi, UP-221005, India
| | - Behzad Mehrafrooz
- Department of Physics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL-61801, USA
| | - Aleksei Aksimentiev
- Department of Physics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL-61801, USA
| | - Sophie E. Jackson
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield `Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, UK
| | - Martin Gruebele
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL-61801, USA
| | - Meni Wanunu
- Department of Physics, Northeastern University, Boston, MA-02115, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Sandler S, Horne RI, Rocchetti S, Novak R, Hsu NS, Castellana Cruz M, Faidon Brotzakis Z, Gregory RC, Chia S, Bernardes GJL, Keyser UF, Vendruscolo M. Multiplexed Digital Characterization of Misfolded Protein Oligomers via Solid-State Nanopores. J Am Chem Soc 2023; 145:25776-25788. [PMID: 37972287 PMCID: PMC10690769 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c09335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2023] [Revised: 10/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Misfolded protein oligomers are of central importance in both the diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. However, accurate high-throughput methods to detect and quantify oligomer populations are still needed. We present here a single-molecule approach for the detection and quantification of oligomeric species. The approach is based on the use of solid-state nanopores and multiplexed DNA barcoding to identify and characterize oligomers from multiple samples. We study α-synuclein oligomers in the presence of several small-molecule inhibitors of α-synuclein aggregation as an illustration of the potential applicability of this method to the development of diagnostic and therapeutic methods for Parkinson's disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah
E. Sandler
- Cavendish
Laboratory, Maxwell Centre, Department of Physics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0HE, U.K.
| | - Robert I. Horne
- Centre
for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, U.K.
| | - Sara Rocchetti
- Cavendish
Laboratory, Maxwell Centre, Department of Physics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0HE, U.K.
| | - Robert Novak
- Cavendish
Laboratory, Maxwell Centre, Department of Physics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0HE, U.K.
| | - Nai-Shu Hsu
- Centre
for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, U.K.
| | - Marta Castellana Cruz
- Centre
for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, U.K.
| | - Z. Faidon Brotzakis
- Centre
for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, U.K.
| | - Rebecca C. Gregory
- Centre
for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, U.K.
| | - Sean Chia
- Centre
for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, U.K.
- Bioprocessing
Technology Institute, Agency for Science, Technology and Research
(A*STAR), Singapore 138668
| | - Gonçalo J. L. Bernardes
- Centre
for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, U.K.
| | - Ulrich F. Keyser
- Cavendish
Laboratory, Maxwell Centre, Department of Physics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0HE, U.K.
| | - Michele Vendruscolo
- Centre
for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, U.K.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Yin YD, Chen FF, Hu J, Yang L, Song XT, Wu GR, Xu M, Gu ZY. Solid-State Nanopore Distinguishes Ferritin and Apo-Ferritin with Identical Exteriors through Amplified Flexibility at Single-Molecule Level. Anal Chem 2023; 95:16496-16504. [PMID: 37916987 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.3c02041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
Protein identification and discrimination at the single-molecule level are big challenges. Solid-state nanopores as a sensitive biosensor have been used for protein analysis, although it is difficult to discriminate proteins with similar structures in the traditional discrimination method based on the current blockage fraction. Here, we select ferritin and apo-ferritin as the model proteins that exhibit identical exterior and different interior structures and verify the practicability of their discrimination with flexibility features by the strategy of gradually decreasing the nanopore size. We show that the larger nanopore (relative to the protein size) has no obvious effect on discriminating two proteins. Then, the comparable-sized nanopore plays a key role in discriminating two proteins based on the dwell time and fraction distribution, and the conformational changes of both proteins are also studied with this nanopore. Finally, in the smaller nanopore, the protein molecules are trapped rather than translocated, where two proteins are obviously discriminated through the current fluctuation caused by the vibration of proteins. This strategy has potential in the discrimination of other important similar proteins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yun-Dong Yin
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Biofunctional Materials, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Biomedical Functional Materials, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Power Batteries, College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Fang-Fang Chen
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Biofunctional Materials, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Biomedical Functional Materials, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Power Batteries, College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Jun Hu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Biofunctional Materials, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Biomedical Functional Materials, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Power Batteries, College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Lei Yang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Biofunctional Materials, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Biomedical Functional Materials, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Power Batteries, College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Xi-Tong Song
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Biofunctional Materials, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Biomedical Functional Materials, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Power Batteries, College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Guo-Rong Wu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Biofunctional Materials, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Biomedical Functional Materials, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Power Batteries, College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Ming Xu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Biofunctional Materials, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Biomedical Functional Materials, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Power Batteries, College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Zhi-Yuan Gu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Biofunctional Materials, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Biomedical Functional Materials, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Power Batteries, College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Dutt S, Shao H, Karawdeniya B, Bandara YMNDY, Daskalaki E, Suominen H, Kluth P. High Accuracy Protein Identification: Fusion of Solid-State Nanopore Sensing and Machine Learning. SMALL METHODS 2023; 7:e2300676. [PMID: 37718979 DOI: 10.1002/smtd.202300676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
Proteins are arguably one of the most important class of biomarkers for health diagnostic purposes. Label-free solid-state nanopore sensing is a versatile technique for sensing and analyzing biomolecules such as proteins at single-molecule level. While molecular-level information on size, shape, and charge of proteins can be assessed by nanopores, the identification of proteins with comparable sizes remains a challenge. Here, solid-state nanopore sensing is combined with machine learning to address this challenge. The translocations of four similarly sized proteins is assessed using amplifiers with bandwidths (BWs) of 100 kHz and 10 MHz, the highest bandwidth reported for protein sensing, using nanopores fabricated in <10 nm thick silicon nitride membranes. F-values of up to 65.9% and 83.2% (without clustering of the protein signals) are achieved with 100 kHz and 10 MHz BW measurements, respectively, for identification of the four proteins. The accuracy of protein identification is further enhanced by classifying the signals into different clusters based on signal attributes, with F-value and specificity of up to 88.7% and 96.4%, respectively, for combinations of four proteins. The combined use of high bandwidth instruments, advanced clustering and machine learning methods allows label-free identification of proteins with high accuracy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shankar Dutt
- Department of Materials Physics, Research School of Physics, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia
| | - Hancheng Shao
- Department of Materials Physics, Research School of Physics, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia
| | - Buddini Karawdeniya
- Department of Electronic Materials Engineering, Research School of Physics, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia
| | - Y M Nuwan D Y Bandara
- Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia
| | - Elena Daskalaki
- School of Computing, College of Engineering, Computing and Cybernetics, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia
| | - Hanna Suominen
- School of Computing, College of Engineering, Computing and Cybernetics, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia
- Eccles Institute of Neuroscience, College of Health and Medicine, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia
| | - Patrick Kluth
- Department of Materials Physics, Research School of Physics, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Yu L, Kang X, Li F, Mehrafrooz B, Makhamreh A, Fallahi A, Foster JC, Aksimentiev A, Chen M, Wanunu M. Unidirectional single-file transport of full-length proteins through a nanopore. Nat Biotechnol 2023; 41:1130-1139. [PMID: 36624148 PMCID: PMC10329728 DOI: 10.1038/s41587-022-01598-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The electrical current blockade of a peptide or protein threading through a nanopore can be used as a fingerprint of the molecule in biosensor applications. However, threading of full-length proteins has only been achieved using enzymatic unfolding and translocation. Here we describe an enzyme-free approach for unidirectional, slow transport of full-length proteins through nanopores. We show that the combination of a chemically resistant biological nanopore, α-hemolysin (narrowest part is ~1.4 nm in diameter), and a high concentration guanidinium chloride buffer enables unidirectional, single-file protein transport propelled by an electroosmotic effect. We show that the mean protein translocation velocity depends linearly on the applied voltage and translocation times depend linearly on length, resembling the translocation dynamics of ssDNA. Using a supervised machine-learning classifier, we demonstrate that single-translocation events contain sufficient information to distinguish their threading orientation and identity with accuracies larger than 90%. Capture rates of protein are increased substantially when either a genetically encoded charged peptide tail or a DNA tag is added to a protein.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luning Yu
- Department of Physics, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Xinqi Kang
- Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Fanjun Li
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts at Amherst, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Behzad Mehrafrooz
- Center for Biophysics and Computational Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Amr Makhamreh
- Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ali Fallahi
- Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Joshua C Foster
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Program, University of Massachusetts at Amherst, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Aleksei Aksimentiev
- Center for Biophysics and Computational Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
- Department of Physics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Min Chen
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts at Amherst, Amherst, MA, USA
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Program, University of Massachusetts at Amherst, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Meni Wanunu
- Department of Physics, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA.
- Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA.
- Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Straathof S, Di Muccio G, Yelleswarapu M, Alzate Banguero M, Wloka C, van der Heide NJ, Chinappi M, Maglia G. Protein Sizing with 15 nm Conical Biological Nanopore YaxAB. ACS NANO 2023; 17:13685-13699. [PMID: 37458334 PMCID: PMC10373527 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c02847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
Nanopores are promising single-molecule tools for the electrical identification and sequencing of biomolecules. However, the characterization of proteins, especially in real-time and in complex biological samples, is complicated by the sheer variety of sizes and shapes in the proteome. Here, we introduce a large biological nanopore, YaxAB for folded protein analysis. The 15 nm cis-opening and a 3.5 nm trans-constriction describe a conical shape that allows the characterization of a wide range of proteins. Molecular dynamics showed proteins are captured by the electroosmotic flow, and the overall resistance is largely dominated by the narrow trans constriction region of the nanopore. Conveniently, proteins in the 35-125 kDa range remain trapped within the conical lumen of the nanopore for a time that can be tuned by the external bias. Contrary to cylindrical nanopores, in YaxAB, the current blockade decreases with the size of the trapped protein, as smaller proteins penetrate deeper into the constriction region than larger proteins do. These characteristics are especially useful for characterizing large proteins, as shown for pentameric C-reactive protein (125 kDa), a widely used health indicator, which showed a signal that could be identified in the background of other serum proteins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sabine Straathof
- Groningen Biomolecular Sciences & Biotechnology Institute, University of Groningen, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Giovanni Di Muccio
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via del Politecnico 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Maaruthy Yelleswarapu
- Groningen Biomolecular Sciences & Biotechnology Institute, University of Groningen, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Melissa Alzate Banguero
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via del Politecnico 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Carsten Wloka
- Groningen Biomolecular Sciences & Biotechnology Institute, University of Groningen, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands
- Experimental Ophthalmology, Department of Ophthalmology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, A Corporate Member of Freie Universität, Humboldt-University, The Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin 10178, Germany
| | - Nieck Jordy van der Heide
- Groningen Biomolecular Sciences & Biotechnology Institute, University of Groningen, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Mauro Chinappi
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via del Politecnico 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Maglia
- Groningen Biomolecular Sciences & Biotechnology Institute, University of Groningen, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Hu R, Zhu R, Wei G, Wang Z, Gu ZY, Wanunu M, Zhao Q. Solid-State Quad-Nanopore Array for High-Resolution Single-Molecule Analysis and Discrimination. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023; 35:e2211399. [PMID: 37037423 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202211399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 03/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The ability to detect and distinguish biomolecules at the single-molecule level is at the forefront of today's biomedicine and analytical chemistry research. Increasing the dwell time of individual biomolecules in the sensing spot can greatly enhance the sensitivity of single-molecule methods. This is particularly important in solid-state nanopore sensing, where the detection of small molecules is often limited by the transit dwell time and insufficient temporal resolution. Here, a quad-nanopore is introduced, a square array of four nanopores (with a space interval of 30-50 nm) to improve the detection sensitivity through electric field manipulation in the access region. It is shown that dwell times of short DNA strands (200 bp) are prolonged in quad-nanopores as compared to single nanopores of the same diameter. The dependence of dwell times on the quad-pore spacing is investigated and it is found that the "retarding effect" increases with decreasing space intervals. Furthermore, ultra-short DNA (50 bp) detection is demonstrated using a 10 nm diameter quad-nanopore array, which is hardly detected by a single nanopore. Finally, the general utility of quad-nanopores has been verified by successful discrimination of two kinds of small molecules, metal-organic cage and bovine serum albumin (BSA).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rui Hu
- State Key Lab for Mesoscopic Physics and Frontiers Science Center for Nano-optoelectronics, Electron Microscopy Laboratory, School of Physics, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Rui Zhu
- State Key Lab for Mesoscopic Physics and Frontiers Science Center for Nano-optoelectronics, Electron Microscopy Laboratory, School of Physics, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Guanghao Wei
- State Key Lab for Mesoscopic Physics and Frontiers Science Center for Nano-optoelectronics, Electron Microscopy Laboratory, School of Physics, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Zhan Wang
- State Key Lab for Mesoscopic Physics and Frontiers Science Center for Nano-optoelectronics, Electron Microscopy Laboratory, School of Physics, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Biomedical Functional Materials, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Power Batteries, College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Zhi-Yuan Gu
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Biomedical Functional Materials, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Power Batteries, College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Meni Wanunu
- Department of Physics, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Qing Zhao
- State Key Lab for Mesoscopic Physics and Frontiers Science Center for Nano-optoelectronics, Electron Microscopy Laboratory, School of Physics, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
- Peking University Yangtze Delta Institute of Optoelectronics, Nantong, Jiangsu, 226010, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Quantum Matter, Beijing, 100084, China
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Wang X, Thomas TM, Ren R, Zhou Y, Zhang P, Li J, Cai S, Liu K, Ivanov AP, Herrmann A, Edel JB. Nanopore Detection Using Supercharged Polypeptide Molecular Carriers. J Am Chem Soc 2023; 145:6371-6382. [PMID: 36897933 PMCID: PMC10037339 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.2c13465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/11/2023]
Abstract
The analysis at the single-molecule level of proteins and their interactions can provide critical information for understanding biological processes and diseases, particularly for proteins present in biological samples with low copy numbers. Nanopore sensing is an analytical technique that allows label-free detection of single proteins in solution and is ideally suited to applications, such as studying protein-protein interactions, biomarker screening, drug discovery, and even protein sequencing. However, given the current spatiotemporal limitations in protein nanopore sensing, challenges remain in controlling protein translocation through a nanopore and relating protein structures and functions with nanopore readouts. Here, we demonstrate that supercharged unstructured polypeptides (SUPs) can be genetically fused with proteins of interest and used as molecular carriers to facilitate nanopore detection of proteins. We show that cationic SUPs can substantially slow down the translocation of target proteins due to their electrostatic interactions with the nanopore surface. This approach enables the differentiation of individual proteins with different sizes and shapes via characteristic subpeaks in the nanopore current, thus facilitating a viable route to use polypeptide molecular carriers to control molecular transport and as a potential system to study protein-protein interactions at the single-molecule level.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyi Wang
- Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, Molecular Science Research Hub, London W12 0BZ, U.K
| | - Tina-Marie Thomas
- DWI - Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials, Forckenbeckstr. 50, 52056 Aachen, Germany
- Institute of Technical and Macromolecular Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 1, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Ren Ren
- Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, Molecular Science Research Hub, London W12 0BZ, U.K
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, U.K
| | - Yu Zhou
- DWI - Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials, Forckenbeckstr. 50, 52056 Aachen, Germany
- Institute of Technical and Macromolecular Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 1, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Peng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Rare Earth Resource Utilization, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130022, China
| | - Jingjing Li
- State Key Laboratory of Rare Earth Resource Utilization, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130022, China
| | - Shenglin Cai
- Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, Molecular Science Research Hub, London W12 0BZ, U.K
| | - Kai Liu
- Engineering Research Center of Advanced Rare Earth Materials, (Ministry of Education), Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Aleksandar P Ivanov
- Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, Molecular Science Research Hub, London W12 0BZ, U.K
| | - Andreas Herrmann
- DWI - Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials, Forckenbeckstr. 50, 52056 Aachen, Germany
- Institute of Technical and Macromolecular Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 1, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Joshua B Edel
- Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, Molecular Science Research Hub, London W12 0BZ, U.K
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Dutt S, Karawdeniya BI, Bandara YMNDY, Afrin N, Kluth P. Ultrathin, High-Lifetime Silicon Nitride Membranes for Nanopore Sensing. Anal Chem 2023; 95:5754-5763. [PMID: 36930050 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.3c00023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
Thin membranes are highly sought-after for nanopore-based single-molecule sensing, and fabrication of such membranes becomes challenging in the ≲10 nm thickness regime where a plethora of useful molecule information can be acquired by nanopore sensing. In this work, we present a scalable and controllable method to fabricate silicon nitride (SixNy) membranes with effective thickness down to ∼1.5 nm using standard silicon processing and chemical etching using hydrofluoric acid (HF). Nanopores were fabricated using the controlled breakdown method with estimated pore diameters down to ∼1.8 nm yielding events >500,000 and >1,800,000 from dsDNA and bovine serum albumin (BSA) protein, respectively, demonstrating the high-performance and extended lifetime of the pores fabricated through our membranes. We used two different compositions of SixNy for membrane fabrication (near-stoichiometric and silicon-rich SixNy) and compared them against commercial membranes. The final thicknesses of the membranes were measured using ellipsometry and were in good agreement with the values calculated from the bulk etch rates and DNA translocation characteristics. The stoichiometry and the density of the membrane layers were characterized with Rutherford backscattering spectrometry while the nanopores were characterized using pH-conductance, conductivity-conductance, and power spectral density (PSD) graphs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shankar Dutt
- Department of Materials Physics, Research School of Physics, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Buddini I Karawdeniya
- Department of Electronic Materials Engineering, Research School of Physics, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Y M Nuwan D Y Bandara
- Department of Materials Physics, Research School of Physics, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia.,Research School of Chemistry, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Nahid Afrin
- Department of Materials Physics, Research School of Physics, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Patrick Kluth
- Department of Materials Physics, Research School of Physics, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Liu H, Zhou Q, Wang W, Fang F, Zhang J. Solid-State Nanopore Array: Manufacturing and Applications. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2023; 19:e2205680. [PMID: 36470663 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202205680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Nanopore brings extraordinary properties for a variety of potential applications in various industrial sectors. Since manufacturing of solid-state nanopore is first reported in 2001, solid-state nanopore has become a hot topic in the recent years. An increasing number of manufacturing methods have been reported, with continuously decreased sizes from hundreds of nanometers at the beginning to ≈1 nm until recently. To enable more robust, sensitive, and reliable devices required by the industry, researchers have started to explore the possible methods to manufacture nanopore array which presents unprecedented challenges on the fabrication efficiency, accuracy and repeatability, applicable materials, and cost. As a result, the exploration of fabrication of nanopore array is still in the fledging period with various bottlenecks. In this article, a wide range of methods of manufacturing nanopores are summarized along with their achievable morphologies, sizes, inner structures for characterizing the main features, based on which the manufacturing of nanopore array is further addressed. To give a more specific idea on the potential applications of nanopore array, some representative practices are introduced such as DNA/RNA sequencing, energy conversion and storage, water desalination, nanosensors, nanoreactors, and dialysis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hongshuai Liu
- Centre of Micro/Nano Manufacturing Technology (MNMT-Dublin), School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, University College Dublin, Dublin, D04 V1W8, Ireland
| | - Qin Zhou
- College of Basic Medicine, Harbin Medical University, No. 157 Baojian Road, Nangang District, Harbin, Heilongjiang, 150081, China
| | - Wei Wang
- School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, 2006 Xiyuan Ave, Chengdu, Sichuan, 611731, China
| | - Fengzhou Fang
- Centre of Micro/Nano Manufacturing Technology (MNMT-Dublin), School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, University College Dublin, Dublin, D04 V1W8, Ireland
- State Key Laboratory of Precision Measuring Technology and Instruments, Laboratory of Micro/Nano Manufacturing Technology (MNMT), Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Jufan Zhang
- Centre of Micro/Nano Manufacturing Technology (MNMT-Dublin), School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, University College Dublin, Dublin, D04 V1W8, Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Xia P, Laskar MAR, Wang C. Wafer-Scale Fabrication of Uniform, Micrometer-Sized, Triangular Membranes on Sapphire for High-Speed Protein Sensing in a Nanopore. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023; 15:2656-2664. [PMID: 36598264 PMCID: PMC9852088 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c18983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Ultra-low-noise solid-state nanopores are attractive for high-accuracy single-molecule sensing. A conventional silicon platform introduces acute capacitive noise to the system, which seriously limits the recording bandwidth. Recently, we have demonstrated the creation of thin triangular membranes on an insulating crystal sapphire wafer to eliminate the parasitic device capacitance. Uniquely different from the previous triangular etching window designs, here hexagonal windows were explored to produce triangular membranes by aligning to the sapphire crystal within a large tolerance of alignment angles (10-35°). Interestingly, sapphire facet competition serves to suppress the formation of more complex polygons but creates stable triangular membranes with their area insensitive to the facet alignment. Accordingly, a new strategy was successfully established on a 2 in. sapphire wafer to produce chips with an average membrane side length of 4.7 μm, an area of <30 μm2 for 81% chips, or estimated calculated membrane capacitance as low as 0.06 pF. We finally demonstrated <4 μs high-speed and high-fidelity low-noise protein detection under 250 kHz high bandwidth.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pengkun Xia
- School of Electrical, Computer and Energy Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85281, USA
- Center for Photonics Innovation, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85281, USA
- Biodesign Center for Molecular Design & Biomimetics, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85281, USA
| | - Md Ashiqur Rahman Laskar
- School of Electrical, Computer and Energy Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85281, USA
- Center for Photonics Innovation, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85281, USA
- Biodesign Center for Molecular Design & Biomimetics, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85281, USA
| | - Chao Wang
- School of Electrical, Computer and Energy Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85281, USA
- Center for Photonics Innovation, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85281, USA
- Biodesign Center for Molecular Design & Biomimetics, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85281, USA
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Lin CY, Fotis R, Xia Z, Kavetsky K, Chou YC, Niedzwiecki DJ, Biondi M, Thei F, Drndić M. Ultrafast Polymer Dynamics through a Nanopore. NANO LETTERS 2022; 22:8719-8727. [PMID: 36315497 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.2c03546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Ultrathin nanopore sensors allow single-molecule and polymer measurements at sub-microsecond time resolution enabled by high current signals (∼10-30 nA). We demonstrate for the first time the experimental probing of the ultrafast translocation and folded dynamics of double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) through a nanopore at 10 MHz bandwidth with acquisition of data points per 25 ns (150 MB/s). By introducing a rigorous algorithm, we are able to accurately identify each current level present within translocation events and elucidate the dynamic folded and unfolded behaviors. The remarkable sensitivity of this system reveals distortions of short-lived folded states at a lower bandwidth. This work revisits probing of dsDNA as a model polymer and develops broadly applicable methods. The combined improvements in sensor signals, instrumentation, and large data analysis methods uncover biomolecular dynamics at unprecedentedly small time scales.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chih-Yuan Lin
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Riley Fotis
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Zehui Xia
- Goeppert LLC, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19146, United States
| | - Kyril Kavetsky
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
- Department of Material Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Yung-Chien Chou
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | | | | | | | - Marija Drndić
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Wang Z, Hu R, Zhu R, Lu W, Wei G, Zhao J, Gu ZY, Zhao Q. Metal-Organic Cage as Single-Molecule Carrier for Solid-State Nanopore Analysis. SMALL METHODS 2022; 6:e2200743. [PMID: 36216776 DOI: 10.1002/smtd.202200743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The ability to detect biomolecules at the single-molecule level is at the forefront of biological research, precision medicine, and early diagnosis. Recently, solid-state nanopore sensors have emerged as a promising technique for label-free and precise diagnosis assay. However, insufficient sensitivity and selectivity for small analytes are a great challenge for clinical diagnosis applications via solid-state nanopores. Here, for the first time, a metal-organic cage, PCC-57, is employed as a carrier to increase the sensitivity and selectivity of solid-state nanopores based on the intrinsic interaction of the nanocage with biomolecules. Firstly, it is found that the carrier itself is undetectable unless bound with the target analytes and used oligonucleotides as linkers to attach PCC-57 and target analytes. Secondly, two small analytes, oligonucleotide conjugated angiopep-2 and polyphosphoric acid, are successfully distinguished using the molecular carrier. Finally, selectivity of nanopore detection is achieved by attaching PCC-57 to oligonucleotide-tailed aptamers, and the human alpha-thrombin sample is successfully detected. It is believed that the highly designable metal-organic cage could serve as a rich carrier repository for a variety of biomolecules, facilitating single-molecule screening of clinically relevant biomolecules based on solid-state nanopores in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhan Wang
- State Key Lab for Mesoscopic Physics and Frontiers Science Center for Nano-optoelectronics, Electron Microscopy Laboratory, School of Physics, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Biomedical Functional Materials, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Power Batteries, College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Rui Hu
- State Key Lab for Mesoscopic Physics and Frontiers Science Center for Nano-optoelectronics, Electron Microscopy Laboratory, School of Physics, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Rui Zhu
- State Key Lab for Mesoscopic Physics and Frontiers Science Center for Nano-optoelectronics, Electron Microscopy Laboratory, School of Physics, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Wenlong Lu
- State Key Lab for Mesoscopic Physics and Frontiers Science Center for Nano-optoelectronics, Electron Microscopy Laboratory, School of Physics, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Guanghao Wei
- State Key Lab for Mesoscopic Physics and Frontiers Science Center for Nano-optoelectronics, Electron Microscopy Laboratory, School of Physics, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Jing Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Coordination Chemistry, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China
| | - Zhi-Yuan Gu
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Biomedical Functional Materials, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Power Batteries, College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Qing Zhao
- State Key Lab for Mesoscopic Physics and Frontiers Science Center for Nano-optoelectronics, Electron Microscopy Laboratory, School of Physics, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
- Peking University Yangtze Delta Institute of Optoelectronics, Nantong, Jiangsu, 226010, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Quantum Matter, Beijing, 100084, China
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Abrao‐Nemeir I, Bentin J, Meyer N, Janot J, Torrent J, Picaud F, Balme S. Investigation of α-Synuclein and Amyloid-β(42)-E22Δ Oligomers Using SiN Nanopore Functionalized with L-Dopa. Chem Asian J 2022; 17:e202200726. [PMID: 36038502 PMCID: PMC9826174 DOI: 10.1002/asia.202200726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Solid-state nanopores are an emerging technology used as a high-throughput, label-free analytical method for the characterization of protein aggregation in an aqueous solution. In this work, we used Levodopamine to coat a silicon nitride nanopore surface that was fabricated through a dielectric breakdown in order to reduce the unspecific adsorption. The coating of inner nanopore wall by investigation of the translocation of heparin. The functionalized nanopore was used to investigate the aggregation of amyloid-β and α-synuclein, two biomarkers of degenerative diseases. In the first application, we demonstrate that the α-synuclein WT is more prone to form dimers than the variant A53T. In the second one, we show for the Aβ(42)-E22Δ (Osaka mutant) that the addition of Aβ(42)-WT monomers increases the polymorphism of oligomers, while the incubation with Aβ(42)-WT fibrils generates larger aggregates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Imad Abrao‐Nemeir
- European Institute of Membranes, UMR5635University of Montpelier, ENCSM CNRSPlace Eugène Bataillon34095Montpellier cedex 5France
| | - Jeremy Bentin
- Laboratory of Nanomedicin, Imagery and Therapeutics, EA4662University hospital center of BesançonUniversity of Bourgogne-Franche-Comté (UFR Sciences et Techniques)16 route de Gray25030BesançonFrance
| | - Nathan Meyer
- European Institute of Membranes, UMR5635University of Montpelier, ENCSM CNRSPlace Eugène Bataillon34095Montpellier cedex 5France,Neurological institute of MontpellierUniversity of Montpellier, INSERM CNRSPlace Eugène Bataillon34095Montpellier cedex 5France
| | - Jean‐Marc Janot
- European Institute of Membranes, UMR5635University of Montpelier, ENCSM CNRSPlace Eugène Bataillon34095Montpellier cedex 5France
| | - Joan Torrent
- Neurological institute of MontpellierUniversity of Montpellier, INSERM CNRSPlace Eugène Bataillon34095Montpellier cedex 5France
| | - Fabien Picaud
- Laboratory of Nanomedicin, Imagery and Therapeutics, EA4662University hospital center of BesançonUniversity of Bourgogne-Franche-Comté (UFR Sciences et Techniques)16 route de Gray25030BesançonFrance
| | - Sebastien Balme
- European Institute of Membranes, UMR5635University of Montpelier, ENCSM CNRSPlace Eugène Bataillon34095Montpellier cedex 5France
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Bandara YMNDY, Freedman KJ. Enhanced Signal to Noise Ratio Enables High Bandwidth Nanopore Recordings and Molecular Weight Profiling of Proteins. ACS NANO 2022; 16:14111-14120. [PMID: 36107037 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.2c04046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Fast protein translocations often lead to bandwidth-limited amplitude-attenuated event signatures. In this study, we developed a protein- and electrolyte chemistry-centric pathway to construct a readily executable decision tree for the detection of non-attenuated protein translocations using conventional electronics. Each optimization encompasses increasing capture rate (CR), signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and minimizing irreversible analyte clogging to collect >104 events/pipette spanning a host of electric fields. This was demonstrated using 11 proteins ranging from ∼12 kDa to ∼720 kDa. Moreover, both symmetric and asymmetric electrolyte conditions (cis and trans chamber electrolyte concentration ratios <> 1) were explored. As a result, asymmetric electrolyte conditions were favorable on the extreme ends of the size spectrum (i.e., larger, and smaller proteins) and while the remainder of proteins were best sensed under symmetric electrolyte conditions. Under these optimal conditions, only ≲10% of events were attenuated at 500 mV (≲ 5% for most proteins at 500 mV with only ≲1-5% of the population faster than ∼7 μs, which is the theoretical attenuation threshold for 100 kHz bandwidth). Finally, applied voltage (Vapp), peak current drop (ΔIp), electrolyte conductivity (K), and open-pore conductance (G0) were used to generate a linear relationship to evaluate the molecular weight of the protein (Mw) using plots of (dΔIp)/(dVapp) vs Mw/(G0/K).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Y M Nuwan D Y Bandara
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Riverside, 900 University Ave., Riverside, California 92521, United States
| | - Kevin J Freedman
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Riverside, 900 University Ave., Riverside, California 92521, United States
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Threading single proteins through pores to compare their energy landscapes. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2202779119. [PMID: 36122213 PMCID: PMC9522335 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2202779119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein function correlates with its structural dynamics. While theoretical approaches to studying protein energy landscapes are well developed, experimental methods that enable probing these landscapes of proteins remain challenging. We used solid-state nanopores to study the translocation behavior of three mutants of a helix bundle protein and quantified the number of energetically accessible conformational states for each mutant. We found that a slower-folding mutant with access to more conformational states translocates faster than a faster-folding mutant with a smaller number of accessible states, suggesting that ease of folding and ease of translocation are at odds in this case. Translocation of proteins is correlated with structural fluctuations that access conformational states higher in free energy than the folded state. We use electric fields at the solid-state nanopore to control the relative free energy and occupancy of different protein conformational states at the single-molecule level. The change in occupancy of different protein conformations as a function of electric field gives rise to shifts in the measured distributions of ionic current blockades and residence times. We probe the statistics of the ionic current blockades and residence times for three mutants of the λ-repressor family in order to determine the number of accessible conformational states of each mutant and evaluate the ruggedness of their free energy landscapes. Translocation becomes faster at higher electric fields when additional flexible conformations are available for threading through the pore. At the same time, folding rates are not correlated with ease of translocation; a slow-folding mutant with a low-lying intermediate state translocates faster than a faster-folding two-state mutant. Such behavior allows us to distinguish among protein mutants by selecting for the degree of current blockade and residence time at the pore. Based on these findings, we present a simple free energy model that explains the complementary relationship between folding equilibrium constants and translocation rates.
Collapse
|
25
|
Aizawa M, Iwase H, Kamijo T, Yamaguchi A. Protein Condensation at Nanopore Entrances as Studied by Differential Scanning Calorimetry and Small-Angle Neutron Scattering. J Phys Chem Lett 2022; 13:8684-8691. [PMID: 36094403 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.2c01708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The condensation of globular myoglobin (Mb) at the pore entrances of mesoporous silica (MPS) with a series of pore diameters (4.2, 6.4, 7.7, and 9.0 nm) was examined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and contrast-matching small-angle neutron scattering (CM-SANS) experiments. The DSC measurements were performed to estimate the amount of Mb adsorbed at two different adsorption sites, namely, the pore interior and the pore entrance regions. The CM-SANS measurements were conducted to observe condensation of Mb molecules at the pore entrance regions. Notably, the nanopore entrance with a diameter close to twice that of the Mb diameter was found to be the specific cavity to facilitate the condensation of globular Mb. The Mb condensation occurred at the entrances of the 6.4 nm pore during the adsorption uptake from concentrated Mb solutions, whereas the adsorption uptake from diluted Mb solutions induced the condensation of Mb at the entrances of the 7.7 nm pore.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mami Aizawa
- Institute of Quantum Beam Science, Ibaraki University, 2-1-1 Bunkyo, Mito, Ibaraki 310-8512, Japan
| | - Hiroki Iwase
- Neutron Science and Technology Center, Comprehensive Research Organization for Science and Society (CROSS), Tokai, Ibaraki 319-1106, Japan
| | - Toshio Kamijo
- Department of Creative Engineering, National Institute of Technology, Tsuruoka College, 104 Sawada, Inooka, Tsuruoka, Yamagata 997-8511, Japan
| | - Akira Yamaguchi
- Institute of Quantum Beam Science, Ibaraki University, 2-1-1 Bunkyo, Mito, Ibaraki 310-8512, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Soni N, Freundlich N, Ohayon S, Huttner D, Meller A. Single-File Translocation Dynamics of SDS-Denatured, Whole Proteins through Sub-5 nm Solid-State Nanopores. ACS NANO 2022; 16:11405-11414. [PMID: 35785960 PMCID: PMC7613183 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.2c05391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
The ability to routinely identify and quantify the complete proteome from single cells will greatly advance medicine and basic biology research. To meet this challenge of single-cell proteomics, single-molecule technologies are being developed and improved. Most approaches, to date, rely on the analysis of polypeptides, resulting from digested proteins, either in solution or immobilized on a surface. Nanopore biosensing is an emerging single-molecule technique that circumvents surface immobilization and is optimally suited for the analysis of long biopolymers, as has already been shown for DNA sequencing. However, proteins, unlike DNA molecules, are not uniformly charged and harbor complex tertiary structures. Consequently, the ability of nanopores to analyze unfolded full-length proteins has remained elusive. Here, we evaluate the use of heat denaturation and the anionic surfactant sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) to facilitate electrokinetic nanopore sensing of unfolded proteins. Specifically, we characterize the voltage dependence translocation dynamics of a wide molecular weight range of proteins (from 14 to 130 kDa) through sub-5 nm solid-state nanopores, using a SDS concentration below the critical micelle concentration. Our results suggest that proteins' translocation dynamics are significantly slower than expected, presumably due to the smaller nanopore diameters used in our study and the role of the electroosmotic force opposing the translocation direction. This allows us to distinguish among the proteins of different molecular weights based on their dwell time and electrical charge deficit. Given the simplicity of the protein denaturation assay and circumvention of the tailor-made necessities for sensing protein of different folded sizes, shapes, and charges, this approach can facilitate the development of a whole proteome identification technique.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Neeraj Soni
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering, Technion−IIT, Haifa, 3200003 Israel
- Russell
Berrie Nanotechnology Institute Technion−IIT, Haifa, 3200003 Israel
| | - Noam Freundlich
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering, Technion−IIT, Haifa, 3200003 Israel
| | - Shilo Ohayon
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering, Technion−IIT, Haifa, 3200003 Israel
| | - Diana Huttner
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering, Technion−IIT, Haifa, 3200003 Israel
| | - Amit Meller
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering, Technion−IIT, Haifa, 3200003 Israel
- Russell
Berrie Nanotechnology Institute Technion−IIT, Haifa, 3200003 Israel
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Dynamic rotation featured translocations of human serum albumin with a conical glass nanopore. J Electroanal Chem (Lausanne) 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jelechem.2022.116397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
|
28
|
Tripathi P, Firouzbakht A, Gruebele M, Wanunu M. Direct Observation of Single-Protein Transition State Passage by Nanopore Ionic Current Jumps. J Phys Chem Lett 2022; 13:5918-5924. [PMID: 35731125 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.2c01009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Conformational transitions of proteins are governed by chemical kinetics, often toggled by passage through an activated state separating two conformational ensembles. The passage time of a protein through the activated state can be too fast to be detected by single-molecule experiments without the aid of viscogenic agents. Here, we use high-bandwidth nanopore measurements to resolve microsecond-duration transitions that occur between conformational states of individual protein molecules partly blocking pore current. We measure the transition state passage time between folded and unfolded states of a two-state λ6-85 mutant and between metastable intermediates and the unfolded state of the multistate folder cytochrome c. Consistent with the principle of microscopic reversibility, the transition state passage time is the same for the forward and backward reactions. A passage time distribution whose tail is broader than a single exponential observed in cytochrome c suggests a multidimensional energy landscape for this protein.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Prabhat Tripathi
- Department of Physics, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | | | | | - Meni Wanunu
- Department of Physics, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Di Muccio G, Morozzo della Rocca B, Chinappi M. Geometrically Induced Selectivity and Unidirectional Electroosmosis in Uncharged Nanopores. ACS NANO 2022; 16:8716-8728. [PMID: 35587777 PMCID: PMC9245180 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.1c03017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Selectivity toward positive and negative ions in nanopores is often associated with electroosmotic flow, the control of which is pivotal in several micro-nanofluidic technologies. Selectivity is traditionally understood to be a consequence of surface charges that alter the ion distribution in the pore lumen. Here we present a purely geometrical mechanism to induce ionic selectivity and electroosmotic flow in uncharged nanopores, and we tested it via molecular dynamics simulations. Our approach exploits the accumulation of charges, driven by an external electric field, in a coaxial cavity that decorates the membrane close to the pore entrance. The selectivity was shown to depend on the applied voltage and becomes completely inverted when reversing the voltage. The simultaneous inversion of ionic selectivity and electric field direction causes a unidirectional electroosmotic flow. We developed a quantitatively accurate theoretical model for designing pore geometry to achieve the desired electroosmotic velocity. Finally, we show that unidirectional electroosmosis also occurs in much more complex scenarios, such as a biological pore whose structure presents a coaxial cavity surrounding the pore constriction as well as a complex surface charge pattern. The capability to induce ion selectivity without altering the pore lumen shape or the surface charge may be useful for a more flexible design of selective membranes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Di Muccio
- Dipartimento
di Ingegneria Industriale, Università
di Roma Tor Vergata, Via del Politecnico 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Blasco Morozzo della Rocca
- Dipartimento
di Biologia, Università di Roma Tor
Vergata, Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Mauro Chinappi
- Dipartimento
di Ingegneria Industriale, Università
di Roma Tor Vergata, Via del Politecnico 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
- E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Lastra LS, Bandara YMNDY, Sharma V, Freedman KJ. Protein and DNA Yield Current Enhancements, Slow Translocations, and an Enhanced Signal-to-Noise Ratio under a Salt Imbalance. ACS Sens 2022; 7:1883-1893. [PMID: 35707962 DOI: 10.1021/acssensors.2c00479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Nanopores are a promising single-molecule sensing device class that captures molecular-level information through resistive or conductive pulse sensing (RPS and CPS). The latter has not been routinely utilized in the nanopore field despite the benefits it could provide, specifically in detecting subpopulations of a molecule. A systematic study was conducted here to study the CPS-based molecular discrimination and its voltage-dependent characteristics. CPS was observed when the cation movement along both electrical and chemical gradients was favored, which led to an ∼3× improvement in SNR (i.e., signal-to-noise ratio) and an ∼8× increase in translocation time. Interestingly, a reversal of the salt gradient reinstates the more conventional resistive pulses and may help elucidate RPS-CPS transitions. The asymmetric salt conditions greatly enhanced the discrimination of DNA configurations including linear, partially folded, and completely folded DNA states, which could help detect subpopulations in other molecular systems. These findings were then utilized for the detection of a Cas9 mutant, Cas9d10a─a protein with broad utilities in genetic engineering and immunology─bound to DNA target strands and the unbound Cas9d10a + sgRNA complexes, also showing significantly longer event durations (>1 ms) than typically observed for proteins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lauren S Lastra
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Riverside, 900 University Ave., Riverside, California 92521, United States
| | - Y M Nuwan D Y Bandara
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Riverside, 900 University Ave., Riverside, California 92521, United States
| | - Vinay Sharma
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Riverside, 900 University Ave., Riverside, California 92521, United States.,Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Jammu, NH-44, Jagti, Jammu and Kashmir, 181221 India
| | - Kevin J Freedman
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Riverside, 900 University Ave., Riverside, California 92521, United States
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Si W, Yuan R, Wu G, Kan Y, Sha J, Chen Y, Zhang Y, Shen Y. Navigated Delivery of Peptide to the Nanopore Using In-Plane Heterostructures of MoS 2 and SnS 2 for Protein Sequencing. J Phys Chem Lett 2022; 13:3863-3872. [PMID: 35467868 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.2c00533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The impressive success of DNA sequencing using nanopores makes it possible to realize nanopore based protein sequencing. Well-controlled capture and linear movement of the protein are essential for accurate nanopore protein sequencing. Here, by taking advantage of different binding affinities of protein to two isomorphic materials, we theoretically designed a heterostructual platform for delivering the unfolded peptide to the nanopore sensing region. Due to the stronger binding between the peptide and SnS2 compared to MoS2, the peptide would adsorb to the SnS2 nanostripe and keep its threadlike conformation in the MoS2/SnS2/MoS2 heterostructure. Through switching the direction of the applied electric field in real time, the peptide was strategically driven to move along the designed path to the target nanopore. The ionic current blockades were also found to be different as the compositions of the peptide were changed, indicating the possibility for differentiating different peptides using this platform.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Si
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Design and Manufacture of Micro-Nano Biomedical Instruments, School of Mechanical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 211100, China
| | - Runyi Yuan
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Design and Manufacture of Micro-Nano Biomedical Instruments, School of Mechanical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 211100, China
| | - Gensheng Wu
- School of Mechanical and Electronic Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Yajing Kan
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Design and Manufacture of Micro-Nano Biomedical Instruments, School of Mechanical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 211100, China
| | - Jingjie Sha
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Design and Manufacture of Micro-Nano Biomedical Instruments, School of Mechanical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 211100, China
| | - Yunfei Chen
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Design and Manufacture of Micro-Nano Biomedical Instruments, School of Mechanical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 211100, China
| | - Yin Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Design and Manufacture of Micro-Nano Biomedical Instruments, School of Mechanical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 211100, China
| | - Yang Shen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Wu Y, Gooding JJ. The application of single molecule nanopore sensing for quantitative analysis. Chem Soc Rev 2022; 51:3862-3885. [PMID: 35506519 DOI: 10.1039/d1cs00988e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Nanopore-based sensors typically work by monitoring transient pulses in conductance via current-time traces as molecules translocate through the nanopore. The unique property of being able to monitor single molecules gives nanopore sensors the potential as quantitative sensors based on the counting of single molecules. This review provides an overview of the concepts and fabrication of nanopore sensors as well as nanopore sensing with a view toward using nanopore sensors for quantitative analysis. We first introduce the classification of nanopores and highlight their applications in molecular identification with some pioneering studies. The review then shifts focus to recent strategies to extend nanopore sensors to devices that can rapidly and accurately quantify the amount of an analyte of interest. Finally, future prospects are provided and briefly discussed. The aim of this review is to aid in understanding recent advances, challenges, and prospects for nanopore sensors for quantitative analysis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanfang Wu
- School of Chemistry and Australian Centre for NanoMedicine, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia.
| | - J Justin Gooding
- School of Chemistry and Australian Centre for NanoMedicine, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Abrao-Nemeir I, Zaki O, Meyer N, Lepoitevin M, Torrent J, Janot JM, Balme S. Combining ionic diode, resistive pulse and membrane for detection and separation of anti-CD44 antibody. J Memb Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.memsci.2022.120391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
|
34
|
Rivas F, Erxleben D, Smith I, Rahbar E, DeAngelis PL, Cowman MK, Hall AR. Methods for isolating and analyzing physiological hyaluronan: a review. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2022; 322:C674-C687. [PMID: 35196167 PMCID: PMC8977137 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00019.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The carbohydrate hyaluronan (or hyaluronic acid, HA) is found in all human tissues and biofluids where it has wide-ranging functions in health and disease that are dictated by both its abundance and size. Consequently, hyaluronan evaluation in physiological samples has significant translational potential. Although the analytical tools and techniques for probing other biomolecules such as proteins and nucleic acids have become standard approaches in biochemistry, those available for investigating hyaluronan are less well established. In this review, we survey methods related to the assessment of native hyaluronan in biological specimens, including protocols for separating it from biological matrices and technologies for determining its concentration and molecular weight.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Felipe Rivas
- Virginia Tech-Wake Forest University School of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Dorothea Erxleben
- Virginia Tech-Wake Forest University School of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Ian Smith
- Virginia Tech-Wake Forest University School of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Elaheh Rahbar
- Virginia Tech-Wake Forest University School of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Paul L DeAngelis
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Mary K Cowman
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, New York University Tandon School of Engineering, New York, New York
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Adam R Hall
- Virginia Tech-Wake Forest University School of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Rivas F, DeAngelis PL, Rahbar E, Hall AR. Optimizing the sensitivity and resolution of hyaluronan analysis with solid-state nanopores. Sci Rep 2022; 12:4469. [PMID: 35296752 PMCID: PMC8927330 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-08533-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Hyaluronan (HA) is an essential carbohydrate in vertebrates that is a potentially robust bioindicator due to its critical roles in diverse physiological functions in health and disease. The intricate size-dependent function that exists for HA and its low abundance in most biological fluids have highlighted the need for sensitive technologies to provide accurate and quantitative assessments of polysaccharide molecular weight and concentration. We have demonstrated that solid state (SS-) nanopore technology can be exploited for this purpose, given its molecular sensitivity and analytical capacity, but there remains a need to further understand the impacts of experimental variables on the SS-nanopore signal for optimal interpretation of results. Here, we use model quasi-monodisperse HA polymers to determine the dependence of HA signal characteristics on a range of SS-nanopore measurement conditions, including applied voltage, pore diameter, and ionic buffer asymmetry. Our results identify important factors for improving the signal-to-noise ratio, resolution, and sensitivity of HA analysis with SS-nanopores.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Felipe Rivas
- Virginia Tech-Wake Forest University School of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, 27101, USA
| | - Paul L DeAngelis
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma, OK, 73104, USA
| | - Elaheh Rahbar
- Virginia Tech-Wake Forest University School of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, 27101, USA
| | - Adam R Hall
- Virginia Tech-Wake Forest University School of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, 27101, USA. .,Comprehensive Cancer Center, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, 27157, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Bandara YMNDY, Farajpour N, Freedman KJ. Nanopore Current Enhancements Lack Protein Charge Dependence and Elucidate Maximum Unfolding at Protein's Isoelectric Point. J Am Chem Soc 2022; 144:3063-3073. [PMID: 35143193 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.1c11540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Protein sequencing, as well as protein fingerprinting, has gained tremendous attention in the electrical sensing realm of solid-state nanopores and is challenging due to fast translocations and the use of high molar electrolytes. Despite providing an appreciable signal-to-noise ratio, high electrolyte concentrations can have adverse effects on the native protein structure. Herein, we present a thorough investigation of low electrolyte sensing conditions across a broad pH and voltage range generating conductive pulses (CPs) irrespective of protein net charge. We used Cas9 as the model protein and demonstrated that unfolding is noncooperative, represented by the gradual elongation or stretching of the protein, and sensitive to both the applied voltage and pH (i.e., charge state). The magnitude of unfolding and the isoelectric point (pI) of Cas9 was found to be correlated and a critical factor in our experiments. Electroosmotic flow (EOF) was always aligned with the transit direction, whereas electrophoretic force (EPF) was either reinforcing (pH < pI) or opposing (pH > pI) the protein's movement, which led to slower translocations at higher pH values. Further exploration of higher pH values led to slowing down of protein with > 30% of the population being slower than 0.5 ms. Our results would be critical for protein sensing at very low electrolytes and to retard their translocation speed without resorting to high-bandwidth equipment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Y M Nuwan D Y Bandara
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Riverside, 900 University Ave., Riverside, California 92521, United States
| | - Nasim Farajpour
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Riverside, 900 University Ave., Riverside, California 92521, United States
| | - Kevin J Freedman
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Riverside, 900 University Ave., Riverside, California 92521, United States
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Hu R, Liu C, Lu W, Wei G, Yu D, Li W, Chen P, Li G, Zhao Q. Probing the Effect of Ubiquitinated Histone on Mononucleosomes by Translocation Dynamics Study through Solid-State Nanopores. NANO LETTERS 2022; 22:888-895. [PMID: 35060726 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.1c02978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Post-translational modifications (PTMs), such as ubiquitination, are critically important in regulating genetic expressions by adjusting the nucleosome stability. A fast and label-free technology inspecting dynamic nucleosome structures can facilitate the interrogation of PTMs effects. Here we leverage the advantages of mechanically stable solid-state nanopores and detect the effect of a ubiquitinated histone on mononucleosomes at the single-molecule level. By comparing the translocation dynamics of natural and cross-linked mononucleosomes, we verified that the nucleosomal DNA unravelled from histones in natural mononucleosomes. Furthermore, we found that a turning point of voltage corresponds to the onset of nucleosome rupture. More importantly, we reveal that ubH2A stabilizes the nucleosome by shifting the turning point to a larger value and investigated the effect of ubiquitination on different histones (ubH2A and ubH2B). These findings open promising possibilities for developing a miniaturized and portable device for the fast screening of PTMs on nucleosomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rui Hu
- State Key Lab for Mesoscopic Physics and Frontiers Science Center for Nano-optoelectronics School of Physics, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Cuifang Liu
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Wenlong Lu
- State Key Lab for Mesoscopic Physics and Frontiers Science Center for Nano-optoelectronics School of Physics, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Guanghao Wei
- State Key Lab for Mesoscopic Physics and Frontiers Science Center for Nano-optoelectronics School of Physics, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Dapeng Yu
- State Key Lab for Mesoscopic Physics and Frontiers Science Center for Nano-optoelectronics School of Physics, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
- Institute for Quantum Science and Technology and Department of Physics, South University of Science and Technology of China (SUSTech), Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Wei Li
- National Laboratory for Condensed Matter Physics and Key Laboratory of Soft Matter Physics, Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
- Songshan Lake Materials Laboratory, Dongguan, Guangdong 523808, China
| | - Ping Chen
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Guohong Li
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Qing Zhao
- State Key Lab for Mesoscopic Physics and Frontiers Science Center for Nano-optoelectronics School of Physics, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
- Peking University Yangtze Delta Institute of Optoelectronics, Nantong, Jiangsu 226010, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Quantum Matter, Beijing 100084, China
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Wells CC, Melnikov DV, Gracheva ME. Brownian dynamics of cylindrical capsule-like particles in a nanopore in an electrically biased solid-state membrane. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2022; 24:2958-2965. [PMID: 35076041 DOI: 10.1039/d1cp03965b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
We use Brownian dynamics simulations to study the motion of cylindrical capsule-like particles (capsules) as they translocate through nanopores of various radii in an electrically biased silicon membrane. We find that for all pore sizes the electrostatic interaction between the particle and the pore results in the particle localization towards the pore 's center when the membrane and the particle have charges of the same sign (case 1) while in case of the opposite sign charges, the capsule prefers to stay near and along the nanopore wall (case 2). The preferential localization leads to all capsules rotating less while inside the pore compared to the bulk solution, with a larger net charge and/or particle length resulting in a smaller range of rotational movement. It also strongly affects the whole translocation process: in the first case, the translocation is due to the free diffusion along the pore axis and is weakly dependent on the particle charge and the nanopore radius while in the second case, the translocation time dramatically increases with the particle size and charge as the capsule gets "stuck" to the nanopore surface.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Craig C Wells
- Department of Physics, Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY 13699, USA.
| | | | - Maria E Gracheva
- Department of Physics, Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY 13699, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Li W, Zhou J, Maccaferri N, Krahne R, Wang K, Garoli D. Enhanced Optical Spectroscopy for Multiplexed DNA and Protein-Sequencing with Plasmonic Nanopores: Challenges and Prospects. Anal Chem 2022; 94:503-514. [PMID: 34974704 PMCID: PMC8771637 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.1c04459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Wang Li
- State
Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science School of
Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing
University, Nanjing 210023, P. R. China
| | - Juan Zhou
- State
Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science School of
Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing
University, Nanjing 210023, P. R. China
| | - Nicolò Maccaferri
- Department
of Physics and Materials Science, University
of Luxembourg, L-1511 Luxembourg, Luxembourg
- Department
of Physics, Umeå University, Linnaeus väg 20, SE-90736 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Roman Krahne
- Istituto
Italiano di Tecnologia, Optoelectronics
Research Line, Morego
30, I-16163 Genova, Italy
| | - Kang Wang
- State
Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science School of
Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing
University, Nanjing 210023, P. R. China
| | - Denis Garoli
- Istituto
Italiano di Tecnologia, Optoelectronics
Research Line, Morego
30, I-16163 Genova, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Xia Z, Lin CY, Drndić M. Protein-enabled detection of ibuprofen and sulfamethoxazole using solid-state nanopores. Proteomics 2022; 22:e2100071. [PMID: 34974637 DOI: 10.1002/pmic.202100071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Enabled by proteins, we present an all-electrical method for rapid detection of small pharmaceuticals (ibuprofen and sulfamethoxazole [SMZ]) in aqueous media using silicon nitride pores. Specifically, we use carrier proteins, bovine serum albumin (BSA), and take advantage of their interactions with two small drug molecules to form BSA-drug complexes which can be detected by nm-diameter pores, thereby confirming the presence of small pharmaceuticals. We demonstrate detection of ibuprofen and SMZ at concentrations down to 100 nM (∼21 μg/L) and 48.5 nM (12 μg/L), respectively. We observe changes in electrical signal characteristics (reflected in event durations, rates, current magnitudes, and estimated particle diameters) of BSA-drug complexes compared to BSA-only, and differences between these two small pharmaceuticals, possibly paving a path toward developing selective sensors by identifying "electrical fingerprints" of these molecules in the future. These distinct electrical signals are likely a combined result of diffusion, electrophoretic and electroosmotic effects, interactions between the pore and particles, which depend on pore diameters, pH, and the resulting surface charges. The use of single-molecule-counting nanopores allows sensing of small pharmaceuticals, studies of protein conformational changes, and may aid in efforts to evaluate the impact of small drug molecules on aquatic and human life.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zehui Xia
- Goeppert LLC, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Chih-Yuan Lin
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, David Rittenhouse Laboratory, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Marija Drndić
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, David Rittenhouse Laboratory, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Guardiani C, Cecconi F, Chiodo L, Cottone G, Malgaretti P, Maragliano L, Barabash ML, Camisasca G, Ceccarelli M, Corry B, Roth R, Giacomello A, Roux B. Computational methods and theory for ion channel research. ADVANCES IN PHYSICS: X 2022; 7:2080587. [PMID: 35874965 PMCID: PMC9302924 DOI: 10.1080/23746149.2022.2080587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Ion channels are fundamental biological devices that act as gates in order to ensure selective ion transport across cellular membranes; their operation constitutes the molecular mechanism through which basic biological functions, such as nerve signal transmission and muscle contraction, are carried out. Here, we review recent results in the field of computational research on ion channels, covering theoretical advances, state-of-the-art simulation approaches, and frontline modeling techniques. We also report on few selected applications of continuum and atomistic methods to characterize the mechanisms of permeation, selectivity, and gating in biological and model channels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C. Guardiani
- Dipartimento di Ingegneria Meccanica e Aerospaziale, Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - F. Cecconi
- CNR - Istituto dei Sistemi Complessi, Rome, Italy and Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare, INFN, Roma1 section. 00185, Roma, Italy
| | - L. Chiodo
- Department of Engineering, Campus Bio-Medico University, Rome, Italy
| | - G. Cottone
- Department of Physics and Chemistry-Emilio Segrè, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - P. Malgaretti
- Helmholtz Institute Erlangen-Nürnberg for Renewable Energy (IEK-11), Forschungszentrum Jülich, Erlangen, Germany
| | - L. Maragliano
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy, and Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy
| | - M. L. Barabash
- Department of Materials Science and Nanoengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA
| | - G. Camisasca
- Dipartimento di Ingegneria Meccanica e Aerospaziale, Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy
- Dipartimento di Fisica, Università Roma Tre, Rome, Italy
| | - M. Ceccarelli
- Department of Physics and CNR-IOM, University of Cagliari, Monserrato 09042-IT, Italy
| | - B. Corry
- Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2600, Australia
| | - R. Roth
- Institut Für Theoretische Physik, Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - A. Giacomello
- Dipartimento di Ingegneria Meccanica e Aerospaziale, Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - B. Roux
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago IL, USA
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Fu J, Wu L, Hu G, Li F, Ge Q, Lu Z, Tu J. Solid-state nanopore analysis on the conformation change of DNA polymerase I induced by a DNA substrate. Analyst 2022; 147:3087-3095. [DOI: 10.1039/d2an00567k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
We studied the conformational changes between a Klenow fragment and its monomer complex with a DNA substrate using a SiN nanopore and found that the monomer complex has a tighter structure and transports slower.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiye Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
| | - Linlin Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
| | - Gang Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
| | - Fuyao Li
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
| | - Qinyu Ge
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
| | - Zuhong Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
| | - Jing Tu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Meyer N, Abrao-Nemeir I, Janot JM, Torrent J, Lepoitevin M, Balme S. Solid-state and polymer nanopores for protein sensing: A review. Adv Colloid Interface Sci 2021; 298:102561. [PMID: 34768135 DOI: 10.1016/j.cis.2021.102561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Revised: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/31/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
In two decades, the solid state and polymer nanopores became attractive method for the protein sensing with high specificity and sensitivity. They also allow the characterization of conformational changes, unfolding, assembly and aggregation as well the following of enzymatic reaction. This review aims to provide an overview of the protein sensing regarding the technique of detection: the resistive pulse and ionic diodes. For each strategy, we report the most significant achievement regarding the detection of peptides and protein as well as the conformational change, protein-protein assembly and aggregation process. We discuss the limitations and the recent strategies to improve the nanopore resolution and accuracy. A focus is done about concomitant problematic such as protein adsorption and nanopore lifetime.
Collapse
|
44
|
Carlsen A, Tabard-Cossa V. Mapping shifts in nanopore signal to changes in protein and protein-DNA conformation. Proteomics 2021; 22:e2100068. [PMID: 34845853 DOI: 10.1002/pmic.202100068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Revised: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Solid-state nanopores have been used extensively in biomolecular studies involving DNA and proteins. However, the interpretation of signals generated by the translocation of proteins or protein-DNA complexes remains challenging. Here, we investigate the behavior of monovalent streptavidin and the complex it forms with short biotinylated DNA over a range of nanopore sizes, salts, and voltages. We describe a simple geometric model that is broadly applicable and employ it to explain observed variations in conductance blockage and dwell time with experimental conditions. The general approach developed here underscores the value of nanopore-based protein analysis and represents progress toward the interpretation of complex translocation signals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Autumn Carlsen
- Department of Physics, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | | |
Collapse
|
45
|
Pham NH, Yao Y, Wen C, Li S, Zeng S, Nyberg T, Tran TT, Primetzhofer D, Zhang Z, Zhang SL. Self-Limited Formation of Bowl-Shaped Nanopores for Directional DNA Translocation. ACS NANO 2021; 15:17938-17946. [PMID: 34762404 PMCID: PMC8613906 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.1c06321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Solid-state nanopores of on-demand dimensions and shape can facilitate desired sensor functions. However, reproducible fabrication of arrayed nanopores of predefined dimensions remains challenging despite numerous techniques explored. Here, bowl-shaped nanopores combining properties of ultrathin membrane and tapering geometry are manufactured using a self-limiting process developed on the basis of standard silicon technology. The upper opening of the bowl-nanopores is 60-120 nm in diameter, and the bottom orifice reaches sub-5 nm. Current-voltage characteristics of the fabricated bowl-nanopores display insignificant rectification indicating weak ionic selectivity, in accordance to numerical simulations showing minor differences in electric field and ionic velocity upon the reversal of bias voltages. Simulations reveal, concomitantly, high-momentum electroosmotic flow downward along the concave nanopore sidewall. Collisions between the left and right tributaries over the bottom orifice drive the electroosmotic flow both up into the nanopore and down out of the nanopore through the orifice. The resultant asymmetry in electrophoretic-electroosmotic force is considered the cause responsible for the experimentally observed strong directionality in λ-DNA translocation with larger amplitude, longer duration, and higher frequencies for the downward movements from the upper opening than the upward ones from the orifice. Thus, the resourceful silicon nanofabrication technology is shown to enable nanopore designs toward enriching sensor applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ngan Hoang Pham
- Division
of Solid-State Electronics, Department of Electrical Engineering, Uppsala University, SE-751 03 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Yao Yao
- Division
of Solid-State Electronics, Department of Electrical Engineering, Uppsala University, SE-751 03 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Chenyu Wen
- Division
of Solid-State Electronics, Department of Electrical Engineering, Uppsala University, SE-751 03 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Shiyu Li
- Division
of Solid-State Electronics, Department of Electrical Engineering, Uppsala University, SE-751 03 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Shuangshuang Zeng
- Division
of Solid-State Electronics, Department of Electrical Engineering, Uppsala University, SE-751 03 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Tomas Nyberg
- Division
of Solid-State Electronics, Department of Electrical Engineering, Uppsala University, SE-751 03 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Tuan Thien Tran
- Division
of Applied Nuclear Physics, Department of Physics and Astronomy, Uppsala University, SE-751 20 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Daniel Primetzhofer
- Division
of Applied Nuclear Physics, Department of Physics and Astronomy, Uppsala University, SE-751 20 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Zhen Zhang
- Division
of Solid-State Electronics, Department of Electrical Engineering, Uppsala University, SE-751 03 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Shi-Li Zhang
- Division
of Solid-State Electronics, Department of Electrical Engineering, Uppsala University, SE-751 03 Uppsala, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Wen C, Dematties D, Zhang SL. A Guide to Signal Processing Algorithms for Nanopore Sensors. ACS Sens 2021; 6:3536-3555. [PMID: 34601866 PMCID: PMC8546757 DOI: 10.1021/acssensors.1c01618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Nanopore technology holds great promise for a wide range of applications such as biomedical sensing, chemical detection, desalination, and energy conversion. For sensing performed in electrolytes in particular, abundant information about the translocating analytes is hidden in the fluctuating monitoring ionic current contributed from interactions between the analytes and the nanopore. Such ionic currents are inevitably affected by noise; hence, signal processing is an inseparable component of sensing in order to identify the hidden features in the signals and to analyze them. This Guide starts from untangling the signal processing flow and categorizing the various algorithms developed to extracting the useful information. By sorting the algorithms under Machine Learning (ML)-based versus non-ML-based, their underlying architectures and properties are systematically evaluated. For each category, the development tactics and features of the algorithms with implementation examples are discussed by referring to their common signal processing flow graphically summarized in a chart and by highlighting their key issues tabulated for clear comparison. How to get started with building up an ML-based algorithm is subsequently presented. The specific properties of the ML-based algorithms are then discussed in terms of learning strategy, performance evaluation, experimental repeatability and reliability, data preparation, and data utilization strategy. This Guide is concluded by outlining strategies and considerations for prospect algorithms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chenyu Wen
- Division
of Solid-State Electronics, Department of Electrical Engineering, Uppsala University, SE-751 03 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Dario Dematties
- Instituto
de Ciencias Humanas, Sociales y Ambientales, CONICET Mendoza Technological Scientific Center, Mendoza M5500, Argentina
| | - Shi-Li Zhang
- Division
of Solid-State Electronics, Department of Electrical Engineering, Uppsala University, SE-751 03 Uppsala, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Dematties D, Wen C, Pérez MD, Zhou D, Zhang SL. Deep Learning of Nanopore Sensing Signals Using a Bi-Path Network. ACS NANO 2021; 15:14419-14429. [PMID: 34583465 PMCID: PMC8482760 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.1c03842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Temporal changes in electrical resistance of a nanopore sensor caused by translocating target analytes are recorded as a sequence of pulses on current traces. Prevalent algorithms for feature extraction in pulse-like signals lack objectivity because empirical amplitude thresholds are user-defined to single out the pulses from the noisy background. Here, we use deep learning for feature extraction based on a bi-path network (B-Net). After training, the B-Net acquires the prototypical pulses and the ability of both pulse recognition and feature extraction without a priori assigned parameters. The B-Net is evaluated on simulated data sets and further applied to experimental data of DNA and protein translocation. The B-Net results are characterized by small relative errors and stable trends. The B-Net is further shown capable of processing data with a signal-to-noise ratio equal to 1, an impossibility for threshold-based algorithms. The B-Net presents a generic architecture applicable to pulse-like signals beyond nanopore currents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dario Dematties
- Instituto
de Ciencias Humanas, Sociales y Ambientales CONICET Mendoza Technological
Scientific Center, Mendoza M5500, Argentina
| | - Chenyu Wen
- Division
of Solid-State Electronics, Department of Electrical Engineering, Uppsala University, SE-751 03 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Mauricio David Pérez
- Division
of Solid-State Electronics, Department of Electrical Engineering, Uppsala University, SE-751 03 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Dian Zhou
- Department
of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Texas 75080, United States
| | - Shi-Li Zhang
- Division
of Solid-State Electronics, Department of Electrical Engineering, Uppsala University, SE-751 03 Uppsala, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Ren R, Sun M, Goel P, Cai S, Kotov NA, Kuang H, Xu C, Ivanov AP, Edel JB. Single-Molecule Binding Assay Using Nanopores and Dimeric NP Conjugates. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2021; 33:e2103067. [PMID: 34323323 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202103067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The ability to measure biomarkers, both specifically and selectively at the single-molecule level in biological fluids, has the potential to transform the diagnosis, monitoring, and therapeutic intervention of diseases. The use of nanopores has been gaining prominence in this area, not only for sequencing but more recently in screening applications. The selectivity of nanopore sensing can be substantially improved with the use of labels, but substantial challenges remain, especially when trying to differentiate between bound from unbound targets. Here highly sensitive and selective molecular probes made from nanoparticles (NPs) that self-assemble and dimerize upon binding to a biological target are designed. It is shown that both single and paired NPs can be successfully resolved and detected at the single-molecule nanopore sensing and can be used for applications such as antigen/antibody detection and microRNA (miRNA) sequence analysis. It is expected that such technology will contribute significantly to developing highly sensitive and selective strategies for the diagnosis and screening of diseases without the need for sample processing or amplification while requiring minimal sample volume.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ren Ren
- Department of Chemistry, Molecular Science Research Hub, Imperial College London, White City Campus, 82 Wood Lane, London, W12 0BZ, UK
| | - Maozhong Sun
- Key Lab of Synthetic and Biological Colloids, Ministry of Education, State Key Lab of Food Science and Technology, International Joint Research Laboratory for Biointerface and Biodetection, School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214122, P. R. China
| | - Pratibha Goel
- Department of Chemistry, Molecular Science Research Hub, Imperial College London, White City Campus, 82 Wood Lane, London, W12 0BZ, UK
| | - Shenglin Cai
- Department of Chemistry, Molecular Science Research Hub, Imperial College London, White City Campus, 82 Wood Lane, London, W12 0BZ, UK
| | - Nicholas A Kotov
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Hua Kuang
- Key Lab of Synthetic and Biological Colloids, Ministry of Education, State Key Lab of Food Science and Technology, International Joint Research Laboratory for Biointerface and Biodetection, School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214122, P. R. China
| | - Chuanlai Xu
- Key Lab of Synthetic and Biological Colloids, Ministry of Education, State Key Lab of Food Science and Technology, International Joint Research Laboratory for Biointerface and Biodetection, School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214122, P. R. China
| | - Aleksandar P Ivanov
- Department of Chemistry, Molecular Science Research Hub, Imperial College London, White City Campus, 82 Wood Lane, London, W12 0BZ, UK
| | - Joshua B Edel
- Department of Chemistry, Molecular Science Research Hub, Imperial College London, White City Campus, 82 Wood Lane, London, W12 0BZ, UK
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Yanagi I, Takeda KI. Sub-10-nm-thick SiN nanopore membranes fabricated using the SiO 2sacrificial layer process. NANOTECHNOLOGY 2021; 32:415301. [PMID: 34214991 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6528/ac10e3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
In our previous studies, ultrathin SiN membranes down to 3 nm in thickness were fabricated using the poly-Si sacrificial layer process, and nanopores were formed in those membranes. The region of the SiN membrane fabricated using this process was small, and the poly-Si sacrificial layer remained throughout the other region. On the other hand, to reduce the noise of the current through the nanopore, it is preferable to reduce the capacitance of the nanopore chip by replacing the poly-Si layer with an insulator with low permittivity, such as SiO2. Thus, in this study, the fabrication of SiN membranes with thicknesses of 3-7 nm using the SiO2sacrificial layer process was examined. SiN membranes with thicknesses of less than 5 nm could not be formed when the thickness of the top SiN layer deposited onto the sacrificial layer was 100 nm. In contrast, SiN membranes down to 3.07 nm in thickness could be formed when the top SiN layer was 40 nm in thickness. This is thought to be due to the difference in membrane stress. Nanopores were then fabricated in the membranes via dielectric breakdown. The current noise of the nanopore membranes was approximately 3/5 that of membranes fabricated using the poly-Si sacrificial layer process. Last, ionic current blockades were measured when poly(dT)60passed through the nanopores, and the effective thickness of the nanopores was estimated based on those current-blockade values. The effective thickness was approximately 4.8 nm when the deposited thickness of the SiN membrane was 6.03 nm. On the other hand, the effective thickness and the deposited thickness were almost the same when the deposited thickness was 3.07 nm. This suggests it became difficult to form a shape in which the thickness of the nanopore edge was thinner than the deposited membrane thickness as the deposited thickness decreased.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Itaru Yanagi
- Center for Technology Innovation-Healthcare, Research & Development Group, Hitachi, Ltd, 1-280, Higashi-koigakubo, Kokubunji, Tokyo, 185-8603, Japan
| | - Ken-Ichi Takeda
- Center for Technology Innovation-Healthcare, Research & Development Group, Hitachi, Ltd, 1-280, Higashi-koigakubo, Kokubunji, Tokyo, 185-8603, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Zahid OK, Rivas F, Wang F, Sethi K, Reiss K, Bearden S, Hall AR. Solid-state nanopore analysis of human genomic DNA shows unaltered global 5-hydroxymethylcytosine content associated with early-stage breast cancer. NANOMEDICINE : NANOTECHNOLOGY, BIOLOGY, AND MEDICINE 2021; 35:102407. [PMID: 33905828 PMCID: PMC8238847 DOI: 10.1016/j.nano.2021.102407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Revised: 01/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
5-Hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC), the first oxidized form of the well-known epigenetic modification 5-methylcytosine, is an independent regulator of gene expression and therefore a potential marker for disease. Here, we report on methods developed for a selective solid-state nanopore assay that enable direct analysis of global 5hmC content in human tissue. We first describe protocols for preparing genomic DNA derived from both healthy breast tissue and stage 1 breast tumor tissue and then use our approach to probe the net abundance of the modified base in each cohort. Then, we employ empirical data to adjust for the impact of nanopore diameter on the quantification. Correcting for variations in nanopore diameter among the devices used for analysis reveals no detectable difference in global 5hmC content between healthy and tumor tissue. These results suggest that 5hmC changes may not be associated with early-stage breast cancer and instead are a downstream consequence of the disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Osama K Zahid
- Virginia Tech-Wake Forest University School of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Felipe Rivas
- Virginia Tech-Wake Forest University School of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Fanny Wang
- Virginia Tech-Wake Forest University School of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Komal Sethi
- Virginia Tech-Wake Forest University School of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Katherine Reiss
- Department of Engineering, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Samuel Bearden
- Virginia Tech-Wake Forest University School of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Adam R Hall
- Virginia Tech-Wake Forest University School of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA; Comprehensive Cancer Center, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA.
| |
Collapse
|