title: Stochastic sensors inspired by biology.
abstract: Sensory systems use a variety of membrane-bound receptors, including responsive ion channels, to discriminate between a multitude of stimuli. Here we describe how engineered membrane pores can be used to make rapid and sensitive biosensors with potential applications that range from the detection of biological warfare agents to pharmaceutical screening. Notably, use of the engineered pores in stochastic sensing, a single-molecule detection technology, reveals the identity of an analyte as well as its concentration.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Biochemistry & Genetics, The Texas A&M University System Health Science Center, College Station, Texas 77843-1114, USA. bayley@tamu.edu
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Bayley
authors.forename: P S
authors.initials: PS
authors.lastname: Cremer
mesh_terms: D015374:Biosensing Techniques / Q000295:instrumentation; D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000502:physiology; D007473:Ion Channels; D008954:Models, Biological; D013269:Stochastic Processes
chemical_list: D007473:Ion Channels