Hybrid pore formation by directed insertion of α-haemolysin into solid-state nanopores

Nat Nanotechnol. 2010 Dec;5(12):874-7. doi: 10.1038/nnano.2010.237. Epub 2010 Nov 28.

Abstract

Most experiments on nanopores have concentrated on the pore-forming protein α-haemolysin (αHL) and on artificial pores in solid-state membranes. While biological pores offer an atomically precise structure and the potential for genetic engineering, solid-state nanopores offer durability, size and shape control, and are also better suited for integration into wafer-scale devices. However, each system has significant limitations: αHL is difficult to integrate because it relies on delicate lipid bilayers for mechanical support, and the fabrication of solid-state nanopores with precise dimensions remains challenging. Here we show that these limitations may be overcome by inserting a single αHL pore into a solid-state nanopore. A double-stranded DNA attached to the protein pore is threaded into a solid-state nanopore by electrophoretic translocation. Protein insertion is observed in 30-40% of our attempts, and translocation of single-stranded DNA demonstrates that the hybrid nanopore remains functional. The hybrid structure offers a platform to create wafer-scale device arrays for genomic analysis, including sequencing.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • DNA / chemistry*
  • Electrochemistry / methods
  • Hemolysin Proteins / chemistry*
  • Motion
  • Nanopores*
  • Nanotechnology / methods*
  • Static Electricity

Substances

  • Hemolysin Proteins
  • DNA