DNA nanotechnology assisted nanopore-based analysis

• Authors: Taoli Ding, Peking University; Jing Yang, North China Electric Power University; Victor Pan, Georgia Institute of Technology; Nan Zhao, North China Electric Power University; Zuhong Lu, Peking University; Yonggang Ke, Emory University; Cheng Zhang, Peking University
• Journal Title: Nucleic Acids Research
• Volume: Volume 48, Number 6
• Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP): Policy C - Option B | 2020-04-06, Pages 2791-2806
• Type of Work: Article | Final Publisher PDF
• Publisher DOI: http://doi.org/10.1093/nar/gkaa095
• Subjects: Chemistry, Biochemistry; Biology, Cell
• Keywords: Science & Technology; Life Sciences & Biomedicine; Biochemistry & Molecular Biology; SOLID-STATE NANOPORE; SINGLE-STRANDED-DNA; ALPHA-HEMOLYSIN; NUCLEIC-ACIDS; SELECTIVE DETECTION; GRAPHENE NANOPORE; ORIGAMI NANOPORES; FOLDING DNA; METAL-IONS; PROTEINS

Abstract

Nanopore technology is a promising label-free detection method. However, challenges exist for its further application in sequencing, clinical diagnostics and ultra-sensitive single molecule detection. The development of DNA nanotechnology nonetheless provides possible solutions to current obstacles hindering nanopore sensing technologies. In this review, we summarize recent relevant research contributing to efforts for developing nanopore methods associated with DNA nanotechnology. For example, DNA carriers can capture specific targets at pre-designed sites and escort them from nanopores at suitable speeds, thereby greatly enhancing capability and resolution for the detection of specific target molecules. In addition, DNA origami structures can be constructed to fulfill various design specifications and one-pot assembly reactions, thus serving as functional nanopores. Moreover, based on DNA strand displacement, nanopores can also be utilized to characterize the outputs of DNA computing and to develop programmable smart diagnostic nanodevices. In summary, DNA assembly-based nanopore research can pave the way for the realization of impactful biological detection and diagnostic platforms via single-biomolecule analysis.