Physics (Internal)

Single Molecule Biophysics Using Nanopores: Some Science and Applications

This event is part of the Biophysics/Condensed Matter Seminar Series.

Proteinaceous nanometer-scale pores are the molecular basis of action for nerve, muscle and many other tissues in our bodies. We pioneered their use for the detection, characterization, identification, and quantitation of single molecules, putting us on a path to achieving key measurement capabilities for the next generation of medical applications. These include two novel methods for DNA sequencing, single molecule “mass spectrometry” (discriminating between polymers based on their size and charge adsorbed to them), and single molecule force spectroscopy. These methods are also crucial for understanding the mechanisms by which lethal toxins, such as anthrax enter our cells. This cutting-edge nanotechnology is proving useful for understanding how cells “think” and how therapeutic agent development can be a realization for each of us in the near future. We will also discuss how the method might be improved that include protein identification for personalized medicine applications.