Single-molecule mass spectrometry in solution using a solitary nanopore

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2007 May 15;104(20):8207-11. doi: 10.1073/pnas.0611085104. Epub 2007 May 9.

Abstract

We introduce a two-dimensional method for mass spectrometry in solution that is based on the interaction between a nanometer-scale pore and analytes. As an example, poly(ethylene glycol) molecules that enter a single alpha-hemolysin pore cause distinct mass-dependent conductance states with characteristic mean residence times. The conductance-based mass spectrum clearly resolves the repeat unit of ethylene glycol, and the mean residence time increases monotonically with the poly(ethylene glycol) mass. This technique could prove useful for the real-time characterization of molecules in solution.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Bacterial Toxins / chemistry
  • Electric Conductivity
  • Hemolysin Proteins / chemistry
  • Molecular Weight
  • Nanostructures / chemistry*
  • Polymers
  • Solutions / chemistry*
  • Spectrometry, Mass, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption-Ionization*
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Bacterial Toxins
  • Hemolysin Proteins
  • Polymers
  • Solutions
  • staphylococcal alpha-toxin