UC Riverside scientists have developed a nanopore-based tool to detect individual molecules, offering a breakthrough in disease diagnostics. Unlike current tests, which require millions of molecules to detect diseases, this tool can capture signals from just a single molecule.
This enhanced sensitivity could significantly improve the speed and precision of diagnostic tests, potentially revolutionizing medical diagnostics.
Scientists are developing electronic detectors that mimic the behavior of neurons in the brain, specifically with the ability to retain “memories” of molecules that have passed through the sensor. They’ve created a new circuit model that tracks small sensor behavior changes.
Central to the circuit is a nanopore—a tiny opening through which molecules pass one by one. When proteins or DNA molecules from a sample pass through, they reduce ion flow, and the detector measures this reduction to identify the presence of specific molecules.
This discovery enhances nanopore-based sensors by addressing the challenge of detecting electrical signals from ions. The system accounts for the possibility of some molecules going undetected as they pass through the nanopore.
This work is set apart because the nanopore acts as a filter, reducing background noise from other molecules that could interfere with critical signals. Unlike traditional sensors, which require external filters that may remove valuable data, Freedman’s approach ensures that each molecule’s signal is preserved, improving accuracy for diagnostic applications.
Kevin Freedman, assistant professor of bioengineering at UCR, envisions the device being developed into a small, portable diagnostic kit, no larger than a USB drive, capable of detecting infections in their earliest stages. Unlike current tests, which can take days to detect infections, nanopore sensors could identify them within 24 to 48 hours. This rapid detection would be especially valuable for fast-spreading diseases, allowing for earlier intervention and treatment.
“Nanopores offer a way to catch infections sooner—before symptoms appear and the disease spreads,” Freedman said. “This tool could make early diagnosis much more practical for viral infections and chronic conditions.”
Beyond diagnostics, the device shows promise for advancing protein research. Proteins play vital roles in cells; even small structural changes can impact health. Current diagnostic tools struggle to distinguish between healthy and disease-causing proteins due to their similarities, but the nanopore device can detect subtle differences, potentially aiding in the development of personalized treatments.
Additionally, this research brings scientists closer to achieving single-molecule protein sequencing—a long-standing goal in biology. While DNA sequencing reveals genetic instructions, protein sequencing offers insights into how those instructions are expressed and modified in real-time. This deeper understanding could lead to earlier disease detection and more precise, tailored patient therapies.
“There’s a lot of momentum toward developing protein sequencing because it will give us insights we can’t get from DNA alone,” Freedman said. “Nanopores allow us to study proteins in ways that weren’t possible before.”
Freedman’s team has been awarded a research grant from the National Human Genome Research Institute to explore sequencing single proteins using nanopores. This project builds on his previous work refining nanopore technology for sensing molecules, viruses, and other nanoscale entities.
Freedman believes these advancements signal a shift in the future of molecular diagnostics and biological research, opening new possibilities for understanding and treating diseases at the molecular level.
“There’s still a lot to learn about the molecules driving health and disease,” Freedman said. “This tool moves us one step closer to personalized medicine.”
Freedman expects nanopore technology soon to become a standard feature in research and healthcare tools. As the devices become more affordable and accessible, they could find a place in everyday diagnostic kits used at home or in clinics.
“I’m confident that nanopores will become part of everyday life,” Freedman said. “This discovery could change how we’ll use them moving forward.”
Journal Reference:
- Farajpour, N., Bandara, Y.M.N.D.Y., Lastra, L. et al. Negative memory capacitance and ionic filtering effects in asymmetric nanopores. Nat. Nanotechnol. (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41565-024-01829-5
