Ultrafast Polymer Dynamics through a Nanopore

Ultrathin nanopore sensors allow single-molecule and polymer measurements at sub-microsecond time resolution enabled by high current signals (similar to 10-30 nA). We demonstrate for the first time the experimental probing of the ultrafast translocation and folded dynamics of double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) through a nanopore at 10 MHz bandwidth with acquisition of data points per 25 ns (150 MB/s). By introducing a rigorous algorithm, we are able to accurately identify each current level present within translocation events and elucidate the dynamic folded and unfolded behaviors. The remarkable sensitivity of this system reveals distortions of short-lived folded states at a lower bandwidth. This work revisits probing of dsDNA as a model polymer and develops broadly applicable methods. The combined improvements in sensor signals, instrumentation, and large data analysis methods uncover biomolecular dynamics at unprecedentedly small time scales.

Automated summary

Ultrathin nanopore sensors enable single-molecule and polymer measurements with high time resolution, demonstrating experimental probing of ultrafast translocation and folded dynamics of double-stranded DNA at 10 MHz bandwidth. With the introduction of a rigorous algorithm, accurate identification of current levels within translocation events and elucidation of dynamic folded and unfolded behaviors are achieved. These improvements in sensor signals, instrumentation, and large data analysis methods uncover biomolecular dynamics at unprecedentedly small time scales.