Enhancing RBP4 protein detection in clinical urine samples with solid-state nanopores through optimized sandwich immunoassay techniques.

Nanopore technology is a promising single-molecule sensing platform that can identify substances through the precise monitoring of changes in ion currents. However, protein detection in clinical samples using solid-state nanopores remains challenging due to their heterogeneously charged spherical structure, which results in signals with extremely low signal-to-noise ratios (SNR) and low capture rates that are difficult to analyze. In this study, we employed a double-antibody sandwich technique to specifically capture and amplify the target antigen, which significantly improves the SNR and effectively distinguishes the target signal from background interference.

Rational design of a 3D DNA origami cube as an ideal signal carrier for glass nanopore-based biosensors.

Enhancing the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) has long been a focus of research in the development of nanopore sensors. Herein, a 3D DNA origami cube with adjustable rigidity that exhibits exceptional selectivity and an ultra-high SNR exceeding 100 is designed and optimized. The assembly of this 3D DNA origami cube relies on a single scaffold strand derived from target DNA/RNA, as well as multiple staple strands.

A novel design of DNA duplex containing programmable sensing sites for nanopore-based length-resolution reading and applications for Pb and cfDNA analysis.

Glass nanopore is an ideal candidate for biosensors due to its unique advantages such as label-free analysis, single-molecule sensitivity, and easy operation. Previous studies have shown that glass nanopores can distinguish different lengths of double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) at the same time with the length-resolution ability. Based on this, we proposed a novel design of a dsDNA block containing a programmable sensing site inside, which can be programmed to respond to different target molecules and cleaved into two smaller DNA blocks.

A nanopore counter for highly sensitive evaluation of DNA methylation and its application in diagnostics.

DNA methylation has been considered an essential epigenetic biomarker for diagnosing various diseases, such as cancer. A simple and sensitive way for DNA methylation level detection is necessary. Inspired by the label-free and ultra-high sensitivity of solid-state nanopores to double-stranded DNA (dsDNA), we proposed a nanopore counter for evaluating DNA methylation by integrating a dual-restriction endonuclease digestion strategy coupled with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification.