Solid-state nanopores are powerful platforms for single-molecule sensing, yet their performance is often constrained by fabrication complexity, noise, and limited control over surface properties. Here we report a direct method to fabricate heterogeneous multilayer nanopores using chemically tuned controlled dielectric breakdown (CT-CDB). We integrate hBN, MoS2, or graphene atop a silicon nitride membrane to form five distinct bilayer and tri-layer architectures, with bare SiNx nanopore as a control. CT-CDB achieves pore formation reproducibly through material-stacks with high efficiency, good pore size control, and strong yield, validated by various characterizations. Transferrin protein translocation experiments, supported by simulations, reveal that multilayer configurations modulate protein conformations, ionic current blockade and dwell time distributions, reflecting combined effects of membrane type, interfacial chemistry, and local electric field gradients. A supervised machine learning framework is implemented to assist identifying multilayer structure effects embedded in signal signatures, with over 96% accuracy. This work presents a modular and scalable framework for functional nanopore engineering with complex structural integration, thereby expanding the potential of 2D materials in single-molecule sensing applications.
2D materials, CT-CDB, multilayer structure, single-molecule biosensing, solid-state nanopore
Copyright © 1999-2026 John Wiley & Sons, Inc or related companies. All rights reserved, including rights for text and data mining and training of artificial intelligence technologies or similar technologies.
We investigate the translocation behaviors of fluorescent silver nanoclusters templated in 20- and 37-nucleotide-long DNA strands (DNA/AgNCs) through solid-state nanopores in various electrolyte solutions (1 M KNO3 and 1 M KCl with 10 mM Tris). Using nanopores with diameters of 2.6, 3.1, 3.6, 4.8, and 5.6 nm, we analyze the stability and translocation characteristics of the DNA/AgNCs across electrolyte conditions ranging from pH 7.6 to 8.4 and applied voltages from 200 to 400 mV. Our findings reveal that AgNCs remain stable in KNO3, resulting in distinct translocation signatures, whereas they dissociate in KCl, resulting in translocation signatures similar to bare DNA. We reveal how nanopore size and buffer conditions influence translocation behavior, providing a more comprehensive understanding of the DNA/AgNC dynamics. Conductance measurements and the corresponding nanopore diameters confirm the presence of stable AgNCs in KNO3, with significant current blockades indicative of near-pore clogging events. Additionally, our data highlight that nanopore technology can differentiate DNA/AgNCs from bare DNA based on their translocation patterns, emphasizing the potential for advanced biosensing applications. This fundamental understanding of AgNC behaviors, combined with insights from pore-size-dependent and pH-dependent translocation patterns, not only enhances our knowledge of metallo-DNA structures but also strengthens the potential of nanopore-based analyte differentiation and biosensing applications.
Electrolytes, Fluorescence, Genetics, Nanopores, Stability
Copyright © 2025 American Chemical Society.
Detection of ultra-short peptides is one of the critical steps toward deeper understanding of proteins and the sequencing of amino acids using solid-state nanopores. The ability of solid-state nanopores to detect these ultra-short peptides can help us reveal their hydrodynamic state under different conditions like the concentrations and the external voltage, which may further guide the future development in this field for deeper investigation and possible improvement. In this study, we fabricate SixNy nanopores by CDB with various pore sizes and use them to detect ultra-short peptides comprised of five different amino acids. The peptide translocation events are extracted under various external voltages. Optimal experimental conditions such as the concentration of electrolytes and analytes, and the range of external voltage are investigated and compared. The statistical results based on volume exclusion analysis indicate that a significant portion of peptides exist in aggregation form. Due to the limitations of SixNy nanopores such as the thickness and the noise, most of the single peptide signals are masked under the baseline noise. In addition, the results show that peptide–pore interactions are dependent upon the diameter of the nanopore. Higher voltage may also influence the degree of peptide aggregations. This study serves to further comprehend the physical and chemical properties of peptides, find possible ways to improve the performance of solid-state nanopores in the area of protein and peptide detections, and indicate the potential improvements in solid-state nanopore-based peptide sequencing.
peptides aggregations, single peptides detection, solid-state nanopores, ultra-short peptides
Copyright © 1999-2026 John Wiley & Sons, Inc or related companies. All rights reserved, including rights for text and data mining and training of artificial intelligence technologies or similar technologies.
The rapidly advancing field of nanotechnology is driving the development of precise sensing methods at the nanoscale, with solid-state nanopores emerging as promising tools for biomolecular sensing. This study investigates the increased sensitivity of solid-state nanopores achieved by integrating DNA origami structures, leading to the improved analysis of protein translocations. Using holo human serum transferrin (holo-hSTf) as a model protein, we compared hybrid nanopores incorporating DNA origami with open solid-state nanopores. Results show a significant enhancement in holo-hSTf detection sensitivity with DNA origami integration, suggesting a unique role of DNA interactions beyond confinement. This approach holds potential for ultrasensitive protein detection in biosensing applications, offering advancements in biomedical research and diagnostic tool development for diseases with low-abundance protein biomarkers. Further exploration of origami designs and nanopore configurations promises even greater sensitivity and versatility in the detection of a wider range of proteins, paving the way for advanced biosensing technologies.
DNA origami, Electrical conductivity, Electrolytes, Nanopores, Salts
Copyright © 2024 American Chemical Society
3D printing has been trending now-a-days and developing really fast, as it might play a very important role in our life in the next few years and even be more efficient in the medical field. Distinct geometries of bones generate complexity in orthopedic surgery which is now being simplified using 3D printing that revolutionized medical sector. This advanced technology helps doctors in terms of accuracy, visualization and efficient surgery which is also beneficial for patient. In this report we are going to review the applications of 3D printing in the orthopedic surgeries and how the technological advancement and futuristic benefits can help people to develop the healthcare sector and be more reliable in complicated surgeries.