Theory for Polymer Analysis Using Nanopore-based Single-molecule Mass Spectrometry

Published

June 1, 2010

Author(s)

Joseph E. Reiner, John J. Kasianowicz, Brian J. Nablo, Joseph W. Robertson

Abstract

Nanometer-scale pores have demonstrated potential as a tool for the electrical detection and characterization of molecules. To provide a physical basis for nanopore-based analytical metrology, we show that a simple model quantitatively describes how one type of analyte (polymers of poly(ethylene glycol), PEG) reduces the ionic current in a single α-hemolysin ion channel. Two critical observations are apparent in the data. The depth of PEG-induced current blockades and the residence time of the polymer in the nanopore both decrease with increasing applied potential. A model is presented which describes these phenomena by analyzing the polymer size, and cation interactions with the polymer under moderate confinement.

Citation

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America

Volume

107

Pub Type

Journals

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Keywords

bioelectronics, nanopore sensing, single molecule analysis

Citation

Reiner, J. , Kasianowicz, J. , Nablo, B. and Robertson, J. (2010), Theory for Polymer Analysis Using Nanopore-based Single-molecule Mass Spectrometry, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, [online], https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=904049 (Accessed October 10, 2025)