In 2008, Oxford Nanopore published a paper in Nature Nanotechnology that demonstrated chemical modifications to the nanopore. These allow the identification of individual DNA bases to a standard commensurate with a high resolution DNA sequencing technology.  In addition the paper demonstrated the direct identification of the modified base Methylated Cytosine.  To order an e-print of this paper click here, choosing 'e-print' from the drop own box.

The following figure shows an electronic trace of  DNA bases in solution entering the nanopore. The bases individually, transiently bind to the cyclodextrin adapter. Each time a base passes through the pore there is a disruption in the current.  The diagram shows four different magnitudes of disruption which can be classified as C, G, A or T.

These data points can be displayed on a histogram, shown below, to illustrate how the identify of a single base is calculated.  As the signal is electronic rather than optical, if there is a base ambiguity it is two-way rather than four-way.

Other modifications have been made to a protein nanopore to allow the identification of different target analytes, including proteins and small molecules.  For a full list of publications click here. Oxford Nanopore is currently exploring the use of other modifications to the nanopore in combination with its sensor chip technology.

Oxford Nanopore has a large team, led by Dr John Milton, working on the development of our nanopore chemistry, and we are seeking talented chemists to help us progress the technology still further.  Visit our careers page for more information.