Neeraj Soni's paper on ACS Nano journal
Single-File Translocation Dynamics of SDS-Denatured, Whole Proteins through Sub-5 nm Solid-State Nanopores
In this paper we characterize the voltage dependence translocation dynamics of a wide molecular weight range of denatured proteins (from 14 to 130 kDa) through sub-5 nm solid-state nanopores, using a SDS concentration below the critical micelle concentration. Our results suggest that proteins’ translocation dynamics are significantly slower than expected, presumably due to the smaller nanopore diameters used in our study and the role of the electroosmotic force opposing the translocation direction. This allows us to distinguish among the proteins of different molecular weights based on their dwell time and electrical charge deficit.
Prof. Meller won The Diane Sherman Prize for Medical Innovation for a Better World
Prof. Meller was awarded the 2021-2022 Academic Excellence Award :
The Diane Sherman Prize for Medical Innovation for a Better World.
Our paper on SARS-CoV-2 sensing is out in Nanoscale journal.
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.
Neeraj Soni won the best presentation award at Single Molecule Biophysics Conference, France 2022
Neeraj Soni, a Ph.D. student in our group, won the best presentation award at Single Molecule Biophysics Conference, France 2022.
His presentation title : "Denatured protein translocations using sub 5 nm Solid-state nanopores”.
Proteins are the main constituents of all biological cells and are responsible for most of the cellular functions. Many of the current disease-specific biomarkers are proteins or modified versions of proteins hence creating a need for sensitive yet simple methods for protein identifications in clinical diagnostics applications. Herein, we developed a highly sensitive approach for identifying wide range lengths SDS denatured protein complexes. Given the simplicity and eradication of the tailor-made necessities, this assay holds the full potential to sequence the protein at a single-molecule level in the future.
Way to go Neeraj!
Karawan Halabi broke Israeli record!
Karawan Halabi an MSc student and running athlete from our lab broke the Israeli record of 1000m setting a new one of 2:43.99 minutes after 25 years!
Less than a week before she won the Israeli championship of 5km road race in 16:19 minutes.
Way to go Karawan, keep braking records in sports and engineering.
Liran Taib won the Sherman Excellence Scholarship!
Liran Taib, an MSc student in our lab, won the Sherman Excellence Scholarship for the current academic year.
Liran’s MSc research is Liquid Biopsy Proteins Classification Using Nanochannels Chip for Liver Disease Monitoring.
Congratulations Liran!