Translocation Behaviors of Synthetic Polyelectrolytes through Alpha-Hemolysin (α-HL) and Mycobacterium smegmatis Porin A (MspA) Nanopores

DNAs have been used as probes for nanopore sensing of noncharged biomacromolecules due to its negative phosphate backbone. Inspired by this, we explored the potential of diblock synthetic polyelectrolytes as more flexible and inexpensive nanopore sensing probes by investigating translocation behaviors of PEO-b-PSS and PEO-b-PVBTMA through commonly used alpha-hemolysin (alpha-HL) and Mycobacterium smegmatis porin A (MspA) nanopores. Translocation recordings in different configurations of pore orientation and testing voltage indicated efficient PEO-b-PSS translocations through alpha-HL and PEO-b-PVBTMA translocations through MspA. This work provides insight into synthetic polyelectrolyte-based probes to expand probe selection and flexibility for nanopore sensing.

Automated summary

In this study, the potential of diblock synthetic polyelectrolytes as nanopore sensing probes was explored by investigating their translocation behaviors through alpha-hemolysin and MspA nanopores. The results indicate efficient translocations of PEO-b-PSS through alpha-HL and PEO-b-PVBTMA through MspA, suggesting that synthetic polyelectrolytes can offer more flexibility and cost-effectiveness for nanopore sensing.