Innovative Nanopore Sensor Revolutionizes Fast, Affordable DNA Sequencing

Researchers at the Grainger College of Engineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, have unveiled a groundbreaking nanopore sensor designed for single-biomolecule detection, potentially transforming the landscape of DNA sequencing. Their findings, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) on June 30, 2025, illustrate how this new sensor can facilitate rapid and cost-effective genomic analysis.

Nanopore sensors work by detecting individual molecules as they pass through minute openings in the device, measuring changes in ionic current. Traditionally, these sensors are made from either biological materials or inorganic solid-state materials. However, the research team, led by Sihan Chen, a postdoctoral researcher at Illinois Grainger, argues that solid-state nanopores provide significant advantages in terms of parallelized sequencing efficiency and cost-effectiveness. "Solid-state nanopores offer a significant advantage over biological nanopores for massively parallelized, low-cost sequencing," stated Chen.

The primary challenge in developing a functional nanopore sensor lies in achieving the necessary resolution to read DNA base-by-base. The researchers overcame this by integrating a two-dimensional (2D) heterostructure into the nanopore membrane. This innovative design includes a nanometer-thick out-of-plane diode that allows simultaneous measurement of electrical current changes during DNA translocation while controlling the speed of the molecules as they pass through.

Rashid Bashir, Dean of the Grainger College of Engineering and co-author of the study, envisions a future where arrays of millions of these 2D diodes could dramatically reduce sequencing time from two weeks to as little as one hour. This leap in efficiency could significantly impact precision medicine, which aims to tailor treatments based on individual genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. "Creating tailored medicine and therapy regimens will require fast and affordable sequencing techniques such as this nanopore sensor," Bashir emphasized.

The implications of this research extend beyond rapid sequencing. The precision medicine market, valued at $79.9 billion in 2023, is projected to reach $157.1 billion by 2032, driven by technological advancements and increasing investments in genomic research. According to a report by Global Market Insights, personalized medicines accounted for 25% of new drugs approved by the FDA in 2019, a significant rise from just 5% in 2005.

Dr. Arend van der Zande, a professor of mechanical science and engineering and one of the study's authors, highlighted the importance of further refining the sensor's design. "This work represents an important step towards base-by-base molecular control and opens doors to more advanced DNA sequencing technologies," said van der Zande. The team is exploring the potential of employing a three-layer structure to enhance control over DNA translocation, which could further refine the accuracy of sequencing.

As the field of genomics continues to evolve, the development of such nanopore sensors marks a significant milestone in the quest for efficient, affordable genomic analysis. With continued research and investment, the dream of personalized medicine that effectively leverages individual genetic information may soon become a reality, paving the way for more effective disease prevention and treatment strategies.