Fixed Aptamer-Functionalized DNA Carriers for Protein Detection with Movable Nanopores

Nanopore sensing has shown great potential; however, one of its major challenges remains the fast and uneven translocation of analytes in free translocation nanopore measurements. We recently introduced Scanning Ion Conductance Spectroscopy (SICS), a technique that enables precise control of translocation speed by immobilizing the analyte on the surface and regulating the speed through controlled capillary movement. This methodology requires a unique preparation of the analyte over conventional free-translocation experiments, as the analyte is captured by and immobilized along a DNA carrier that is attached to a glass surface. This chapter describes the preparation of the essential components required for experiments, including the capillary, buffer, measurement system, and, most importantly, the preparation of DNA carriers that can be functionalized with aptamers.