On the detection, characterization, and identification of single molecule with nanopores

Proteins that form nanometer-scale pores in cell membranes provide the molecular basis of action for nerve, muscle, and other tissues. For over the past 25 years, we have been developing them for the electronic detection, characterization, quantitation, and identification of single molecules[1]. We will discuss the potential use and limits of this method for practical applications, including DNA sequencing[2-4], sizing individual molecules[5-6], measuring the forces between single molecules[7], therapeutics development[8], and the identification of synthetic nanoparticles[9].