Pores and channels

Big insights from small molecular structures.

Types of Nanopores

Nanopores, i.e. apertures with diameters in the nanometer range in an otherwise nonconductive surface, can be exploited for the detection and investigation of molecules on a single particle level as well as for applications like the sequencing of DNA, RNA, and even the primary structure of proteins. While solid-state nanopores are artificially engineered in materials like silicone nitride or aluminum oxide, lipid bilayers can provide a stable nonconductive matrix for the insertion of biological nanopores like e.g. alpha-Hemolysin or Aerolysin.

Native vs. engineered

channels, pores and toxins

DNA nanopores

DNA provides a powerful tool to design nanopores of freely definable size and shape for the transport of certain molecules or their usage in sequencing applications. Lipid bilayers provide the means to investigate and verify the properties of such tailor-made DNA pores on a single molecule level.

Figure representing tests whether DNA nanopores permit label-free, direct, and specific detection of IgG antibodies at the single-molecule level. Specific and label-free IgG sensing using DNA nanopores Sqr-10-Biot using bilayer Orbit mini / Orbit 16 TC.

Xing Y., et al. Nature Nanotechnology (2022)

Toxins and antimicrobial peptides

Toxins are peptides and macromolecules secreted by plants, bacteria, and higher animals as tools for defense or predation. They are designed – inter alia – to attack, perforate or cross the cell membrane of a given target cell to degrade chemical gradients or to deploy their specific activity inside the host cell. The exact mechanism of the interaction between a given toxin and a lipid bilayer is not well understood by most toxins and can be investigated down to a single molecule level on bilayers of freely definable composition.

In the recommended publication below, Orbit mini was used for the investigation of the pore-forming protein Bryoprin with artificial lipid bilayers.

Towards sequencing through nanopores

Nanopores, i.e. apertures with diameters in the nanometer range in an otherwise nonconductive surface, can be exploited for the detection and investigation of molecules on a single particle level and ultimately for applications like the sequencing of DNA, RNA and even the primary structure of proteins. While solid-state nanopores are artificially engineered in materials like silicone nitride or aluminum oxide, lipid bilayers can provide a stable nonconductive matrix for the insertion of biological nanopores like e.g. alpha-Hemolysin or Aerolysin. Ensslen et al, JACS 2022

Electrophysiology
in bilayers

Single ion channel recordings in lipid bilayers

Whole-cell patch clamping allows for the straightforward and high-throughput compatible investigation of ion channels in living cells. Detailed information about open probabilities, unitary currents, and the precise kinetic behavior of an ion channel can, however, only be obtained on a single channel level. The introduction of ion channels to lipid bilayers provides a convenient and reliable alternative to the tedious and difficult technique of cell-attached recordings on native membranes. Currents evoked by ion channels introduced into lipid bilayers can conveniently be recorded on the Orbit mini.

Yelshanskaya M.V., et al. Nature 2022

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Contact our specialist Dr. Conrad Weichbrodt (Product Manager of the Orbit family). Conrad is delighted to help you:

Conrad@nanion.de
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