Stochastic detection of enantiomers.
The rapid quantification of the enantiomers of small chiral molecules is very important, notably in pharmacology. Here, we show that the enantiomers of drug molecules can be distinguished by stochastic sensing, a single-molecule detection technique. The sensing element is an engineered alpha-hemolysin protein pore, fitted with a beta-cyclodextrin adapter. By using the approach, the enantiomeric composition of samples of ibuprofen and thalidomide can be determined in less than 1 s.
Kang
Xiao-Feng
XF
Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, The Texas A and M University System Health Science Center, College Station, Texas 77843-1114, USA.
Cheley
Stephen
S
Guan
Xiyun
X
Bayley
Hagan
H
D006460:Hemolysin Proteins / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D007052:Ibuprofen / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism; D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D015394:Molecular Structure; D009154:Mutation; D013792:Thalidomide / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism; D047392:beta-Cyclodextrins / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism
D006460:Hemolysin Proteins; D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D047392:beta-Cyclodextrins; D013792:Thalidomide; C031215:betadex; D007052:Ibuprofen