UC Riverside Scientists revolutionize disease diagnosis with Nanopore Technology
Scientists at the University of California, riverside (UCR) have developed a revolutionary nanopore-based tool poised to dramatically improve disease diagnosis. This innovative technology offers the potential for substantially faster and more precise detection of illnesses compared to current methods, achieving this by capturing signals from individual molecules.
The challenge in detecting diseases lies in the minuscule size of the target molecules – typically DNA or proteins – measuring approximately one-billionth of a meter. The electrical signals these molecules produce are incredibly faint, requiring highly specialized detection instruments. UCR’s breakthrough addresses this limitation.
“Right now, you need millions of molecules to detect diseases. We’re showing that it’s possible to get useful data from just a single molecule,” explains Kevin freedman, assistant professor of bioengineering at UCR and lead author of a paper detailing the tool in Nature Nanotechnology. “This level of sensitivity could make a real difference in disease diagnostics.”
Freedman’s lab is focused on creating electronic detectors that mimic the brain’s neurons, capable of retaining memories – specifically, remembering which molecules have previously passed through the sensor. To achieve this, the UCR team developed a novel circuit model that accounts for even the smallest changes in the sensor’s behavior.
the core of this circuit is a nanopore – an incredibly small opening through which molecules pass one at a time. biological samples, combined with salts that dissociate into ions, are introduced into the circuit. When protein or DNA molecules from the sample traverse the pore, they reduce the flow of ions.
“Our detector measures the reduction in flow caused by a protein or bit of DNA passing through and blocking the passage of ions,” Freedman clarifies.
A key feature of this technology is the nanopore’s dual function as both sensor and filter. Unlike customary sensors that require separate external filters to eliminate unwanted signals (which can inadvertently remove valuable data), this system inherently reduces background noise, preserving the integrity of each molecule’s signal and significantly enhancing diagnostic accuracy.
Freedman envisions a future where this technology enables the creation of compact, portable diagnostic kits – no larger than a USB drive – capable of detecting infections in their earliest stages. While current tests might take several days to register an infection,this nanopore sensor could detect infections within 24 to 48 hours. This rapid detection would be particularly beneficial for rapidly spreading diseases, allowing for quicker intervention and treatment.
Nanopores offer a way to catch infections sooner – before symptoms appear and before the disease spreads. This kind of tool could make early diagnosis much more practical for both viral infections and chronic conditions.
Kevin Freedman, assistant professor of bioengineering at UCR
Beyond diagnostics, this device holds immense promise for advancing protein research. Proteins play crucial roles within cells,and even minor structural changes can significantly impact health. The nanopore device’s ability to measure subtle differences between individual proteins could revolutionize personalized medicine.
This research also brings scientists closer to achieving single-molecule protein sequencing, a long-standing goal in biology. While DNA sequencing reveals genetic instructions, protein sequencing provides real-time insights into how these instructions are expressed and modified. This deeper understanding could lead to earlier disease detection and more precise, tailored 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 concludes.
Revolutionizing Diagnostics: Nanopore Technology Ushers in Era of Personalized Medicine
A team of researchers has made a important breakthrough in the field of molecular diagnostics, utilizing nanopore technology to analyze single proteins. This innovative approach, funded by the National Human genome Research Institute, holds immense potential for revolutionizing disease detection and personalizing medical treatments.
Dr.Freedman, the lead researcher, explains the transformative nature of this technology: “Nanopores allow us to study proteins in ways that weren’t possible before.”
The research builds upon previous work by Dr. Freedman’s team,focusing on refining nanopore technology for detecting various nanoscale entities,including molecules and viruses. This latest advancement represents a significant leap forward, potentially reshaping the future of biological research and molecular diagnostics.
The implications for personalized medicine are profound. As Dr. Freedman notes, “There’s still a lot to learn about the molecules driving health and disease. This tool moves us one step closer to personalized medicine.”
Dr. Freedman anticipates that nanopore technology will soon become a standard tool in both research labs and healthcare settings. The decreasing cost and increased accessibility of these devices suggest a future where they could be integrated into everyday diagnostic kits, used at home or in clinics.
Looking ahead, Dr. Freedman expresses optimism about the widespread adoption of this technology: ”I’m confident that nanopores will become part of everyday life. This revelation could change how we’ll use them moving forward.”
This breakthrough has the potential to significantly impact the U.S.healthcare system, offering faster, more accurate, and personalized diagnoses for a wide range of diseases. the progress of affordable, accessible nanopore technology could lead to earlier disease detection and more effective treatment strategies, improving patient outcomes nationwide.
Further research is detailed in the publication: Farajpour, N., et al. (2025) Negative memory capacitance and ionic filtering effects in asymmetric nanopores. Nature Nanotechnology. doi.org/10.1038/s41565-024-01829-5.
