VarioPore

The research project aims to develop a sensitive, nanopore-based sensor system for label-free detection with single-molecule sensitivity and quantification of infectious agents (e.g. Borrelia) and other markers (e.g. surface antigens) for the diagnosis of infectious diseases.  At HFU, the nanopores are fused and evaluated with evaluation electronics and AI-based analysis software to form a complete system. These are small holes in a biological or artificial membrane, which are often created or artificially produced by proteins such as alpha-hemolysin. A current flow is imprinted through the nanopore, which is interrupted when a molecule moves through the pore. The targeted interruption of the current flow allows the molecules to be detected and analysed. The thin ceramic membranes are produced using ultrashort pulse laser processing. The surface is then functionalised, making it possible to predict the flow direction of liquids, for example. The membranes are provided with nanopores using focused ion beam milling (FIB). In addition to classic detection methods such as immunological assays (e.g. ELISA), which are mainly laboratory-based, expensive and time-consuming, nanopore-based methods can enable cost-effective point-of-care (PoC) monitoring in real time. Another potential area of application is the detection of contamination, for example in bodies of water, using nanopores.