Improving macromolecule crowding configurations in nanopores for protein sensing

Chem Commun (Camb). 2024 Nov 8. doi: 10.1039/d4cc05344c. Online ahead of print.

Abstract

We show that PEG-induced macromolecular crowding enhances protein detection in nanopores by increasing capture rate and translocation frequency. Experimental data indicate that a PEG concentration gradient boosts capture efficiency, while our theoretical model attributes this enhancement to osmotic flow, offering insights for improving nanopore-based biosensing.