UC Riverside scientists have pioneered a nanopore-based diagnostic device that captures signals from individual molecules, potentially revolutionizing the speed and accuracy of disease detection.
Scientists at the University of California, Riverside, have introduced a groundbreaking diagnostic tool that promises to detect illnesses much faster and with greater precision than current methods.
This innovative technology, detailed in a paper published in Nature Nanotechnology, leverages nanopores to capture signals from individual molecules, a significant advancement in disease diagnostics.
“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,” lead author Kevin Freedman, an assistant professor of bioengineering, said in a news release. “This level of sensitivity could make a real difference in disease diagnostics.”
Revolutionary Detection Mechanism
Current diagnostic tests usually require a large number of molecules to identify the presence of disease, making it challenging to detect illnesses in their early stages.
The new tool from UC Riverside captures molecular information at the single-molecule level, making disease detection possible from minuscule biological samples.
How It Works
At the core of this technology is a nanopore, a tiny opening through which molecules pass one at a time. As molecules like proteins or DNA pass through the nanopore, they reduce the flow of ions, generating detectable electrical signals.
“Our detector measures the reduction in flow caused by a protein or bit of DNA passing through and blocking the passage of ions,” Freedman added.
Potential Impact
Freedman’s team envisions creating a compact, portable diagnostic device no larger than a USB drive. This device could detect infections within 24 to 48 hours, significantly faster than current tests, which often require several days.
This speed would be crucial for controlling fast-spreading diseases, allowing for earlier 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,” Freedman added.
Beyond Diagnostics
The nanopore technology holds promise beyond just disease detection. It could also advance protein research by allowing scientists to measure subtle differences between individual proteins, aiding in the development of more personalized medical treatments.
Achieving single-molecule protein sequencing is a long-sought objective in biology. While DNA sequencing provides genetic blueprints, protein sequencing reveals how those instructions are expressed and modified over time.
“There’s a lot of momentum toward developing protein sequencing because it will give us insights we can’t get from DNA alone,” added Freedman. “Nanopores allow us to study proteins in ways that weren’t possible before.”
Future Prospects
The team’s ongoing research, funded by the National Human Genome Research Institute, will focus on single protein sequencing. This breakthrough builds upon Freedman’s previous work in refining nanopore technology for detecting molecules, viruses and other nanoscale entities.
“There’s still a lot to learn about the molecules driving health and disease,” Freedman said. “This tool moves us one step closer to personalized medicine.”
With promising results already in hand, Freedman anticipates that nanopore technology will soon become a standard component in both research and health care settings. As the technology becomes more cost-effective and accessible, it may even become part of everyday diagnostic kits used at home or in clinics.
“I’m confident that nanopores will become part of everyday life,” Freedman added. “This discovery could change how we’ll use them moving forward.”