The potential and challenges of nanopore sequencing.

Journal article

A nanopore-based device provides single-molecule detection and analytical capabilities that are achieved by electrophoretically driving molecules in solution through a nano-scale pore. The nanopore provides a highly confined space within which single nucleic acid polymers can be analyzed at high throughput by one of a variety of means, and the perfect processivity that can be enforced in a narrow pore ensures that the native order of the nucleobases in a polynucleotide is reflected in the sequence of signals that is detected. Kilobase length polymers (single-stranded genomic DNA or RNA) or small molecules (e.g., nucleosides) can be identified and characterized without amplification or labeling, a unique analytical capability that makes inexpensive, rapid DNA sequencing a possibility. Further research and development to overcome current challenges to nanopore identification of each successive nucleotide in a DNA strand offers the prospect of 'third generation' instruments that will sequence a diploid mammalian genome for approximately $1,000 in approximately 24 h.

Authors: Branton, D; Deamer, D; Marziali, A; Bayley, H; Benner, SA

• Publication status: Published
• Journal: Nature biotechnology
• Volume: 26
• Issue: 10
• Pages: 1146-1153
• Publication date: 2008-10-01
• DOI: 10.1038/nbt.1495
• EISSN: 1546-1696
• ISSN: 1087-0156
• Language: English
• Keywords: Genomics; Chromosome Mapping; Forecasting; Sequence Analysis, DNA; Sequence Alignment; Nanostructures; Nanotechnology; DNA