Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for identifying individual monomeric units in sequential order as they are released or cleaved from a polymer strand via an enzyme, which acts on the polymer, and the monomeric units translocate through a transmembrane channel. Methods are also provided for identifying molecules as they translocate through a transmembrane channel.

Abstract: Provided are device components, devices and methods characterized by a high contrast signal to noise ratio (CNR).

Abstract: Provided herein are alpha hemolysin polypeptides comprising modified amino acid sequences that can reduce the rate of translocation of a polymer. Also provided herein are apparatuses and devices comprising modified hemolysin polypeptides. Also provided herein are methods of using modified alpha hemolysin proteins for use in characterizing and/or sequencing a polymer or for use as molecular sensors.

Abstract: Provided herein is a cell-free assay device, sometimes comprising a lipid bilayer and an endopeptidase assay component, for characterizing a pore forming protein. In some embodiments provided herein is an apparatus comprising a pressure system for characterizing an interaction. Also, provided herein are methods for using a cell-free assay device to characterize a pore forming protein and/or a test substance.

Abstract: Provided are site specific chemically modified nanopore devices and methods for manufacturing and using them. Site specific chemically modified nanopore devices can be used for analyte sensing and analysis, for example.

Abstract: Provided are device components, devices and methods characterized by a high contrast signal to noise ratio (CNR).

Abstract: Provided herein are alpha hemolysin polypeptides comprising modified amino acid sequences that can reduce the rate of translocation of a polymer. Also provided herein are apparatuses and devices comprising modified hemolysin polypeptides. Also provided herein are methods of using modified alpha hemolysin proteins for use in characterizing and/or sequencing a polymer or for use as molecular sensors.

Abstract: Provided are site specific chemically modified nanopore devices and methods for manufacturing and using them. Site specific chemically modified nanopore devices can be used for analyte sensing and analysis, for example.

Abstract: A method of processing sequencing data obtained with a polymer sequencing system identifies the most likely monomer sequence of a polymer, regardless of stochastic variations in recorded signals. Polymer sequencing data is recorded and two or more distinct series of pore blocking signals for a section of the polymer are recorded. A value is assigned to each series of pore blocking signals to obtain multiple trial sequences. The probability that each of the trial sequences could have resulting in all of trial sequences is calculated to determine a monomer sequence with the highest probability of resulting in all of the trial sequences, termed the first iteration sequence. The first iteration sequence is systematically altered to maximize the combined probability of the first iteration sequence leading to all the trial sequences in order to obtain a most likely sequence of monomers of the polymer.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for sensing time varying ionic current in an electrolytic system having a first fluid chamber and a second fluid chamber separated by a barrier structure is provided, wherein the barrier structure includes thick walls and a substrate having an orifice therein, with the first and second fluid chambers being in communication via the orifice. A potential is applied between electrodes in respective first and second fluid chambers, thus driving an electrical current between them and through the orifice. Total capacitance of the system is less than 10 pF. Analytes are added to one of the first and second fluid chambers and time varying ionic current that passes across the orifice is measured. An amplifier proximal to the barrier structure and electrodes amplifies the ionic current signal.

Abstract: Disclosed here are methods useful for incorporating protein into lipid bilayers using voltage induced insertion. The methods presented herein can decrease time and costs associated with incorporation of proteins into naturally derived or artificially created lipid bilayers. A method for incorporating a protein capable of translocating a ligand also is disclosed herein.

Abstract: The general concept of using a nanopore for DNA sequencing is to electrophoretically drive a polymer (e.g. single stranded DNA) through a nanopore under aqueous conditions, and identify each individual monomer (e.g. nucleotide) of the strand as it passes through the sensitive region of the nanopore based on its characteristic current modulation.

Abstract: Provided are device components, devices and methods characterized by a high contrast signal to noise ratio (CNR).

Abstract: An apparatus for single-sided bilayer formation includes a first fluid chamber including a sidewall and a second fluid chamber extending through the sidewall. A barrier wall separates the first and second fluid chambers and includes a nanopore therein across which a planar lipid bilayer (PLB) is formed. In use, an electrolyte is added to the first and second fluid chambers and a lipid/organic solvent mixture is added to the first fluid chamber to form a lipid/organic solvent layer. The electrolyte level within the first fluid chamber is adjusted such that the lipid layer is raised above the barrier wall and a PLB is formed. Electrolyte levels may be adjusted manually or utilizing a fluid level regulator with or without feedback control. Optionally, the apparatus may be in the form of a nanopore array. The apparatus may be incorporated into an ion channel sensing system.

Abstract: Provided are site specific chemically modified nanopore devices and methods for manufacturing and using them. Site specific chemically modified nanopore devices can be used for analyte sensing and analysis, for example.

Abstract: A method of processing sequencing data obtained with a polymer sequencing system identifies the most likely monomer sequence of a polymer, regardless of stochastic variations in recorded signals. Polymer sequencing data is recorded and two or more distinct series of pore blocking signals for a section of the polymer are recorded. A value is assigned to each series of pore blocking signals to obtain multiple trial sequences. The probability that each of the trial sequences could have resulting in all of trial sequences is calculated to determine a monomer sequence with the highest probability of resulting in all of the trial sequences, termed the first iteration sequence. The first iteration sequence is systematically altered to maximize the combined probability of the first iteration sequence leading to all the trial sequences in order to obtain a most likely sequence of monomers of the polymer.

Abstract: An electrolytic system includes an analyte chamber having an access port for introducing a sample containing a molecules of interest, such as DNA. Electrodes create an electric field along a length of the analyte chamber to drive molecules toward an interaction region containing a nanopore, thereby increasing the arrival rate of molecules at the nanopore. Additional electrodes may be utilized to create an electric field through the nanopore to drive a molecule into the nanopore. A current sensor may be utilized to count, discriminate or characterize the molecules as they interact with the nanopore. Advantageously, system can be utilized for unamplified DNA sequencing.