In our research, we introduced solid-state nanopore sensing using a compact microfluidic device for label-free quantification of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in clinical nasal swab samples. This research was conducted in Prof. Meller’s lab in collaboration with Dr. Ronit Almog and her staff in the epidemiology unit in the Rambam Medical center. We graded nasal swab samples from >15 subjects and found that the SARS-CoV-2 radiometric nanopore index correlates well with the reported RT-qPCR threshold cycle for positive classified samples. Remarkably, nanopore analysis also reports quantitative positive outcomes for clinical samples classified as negative by RT-qPCR, suggesting that the method may be used to diagnose COVID-19 in samples that may evade detection.
Congratulation to Chen for winning the Jacobs Fellowship!
Chen , A Ph.D. student in our lab, has recently won the prestige Irwin and Joan Jacobs Fellowship. Chen’s Ph.D. research is focusing on single-molecule mapping of DNA epigenetic cancer biomarkers using LNA probes selection and solid-state nanopores. Way to go Chen! Mazal tov! :)
Congratulations to Nitinun for the publication of her Chem Society Review paper
Proteins are the structural elements and machinery of cells responsible for a functioning biological architecture and homeostasis. Advances in nanotechnology are catalyzing key breakthroughs in many areas, including the analysis and study of proteins at the single-molecule level. Nanopore sensing is at the forefront of this revolution. This tutorial review, published on October 17, 2018, provides readers a guidebook and reference for detecting and characterizing proteins at the single-molecule level using nanopores. Specifically, the review describes the key materials, nanoscale features, and design requirements of nanopores. It also discusses general design requirements as well as details on the analysis of protein translocation. Finally, the article provides the background necessary to understand current research trends and to encourage the identification of new biomedical applications for protein sensing using nanopores.
