The potential of nanopore technologies in peptide and protein sensing for biomarker detection

Abstract

The increasing demand for high-throughput, real-time, and single-molecule protein analysis in precision medicine has propelled the development of novel sensing technologies. Among these, nanopore-based methods have garnered significant attention for their unique capabilities, including label-free detection, ultra-sensitivity, and the potential for miniaturization and portability. Originally designed for nucleic acid sequencing, nanopore technology is now being adapted for peptide and protein analysis, offering promising applications in biomarker discovery and disease diagnostics. This review examines the latest advances in biological, solid-state, and hybrid nanopores for protein sensing, focusing on their ability to detect amino acid sequences, structural variants, post-translational modifications, and dynamic protein–protein or protein–drug interactions. We critically compare these systems to conventional proteomic techniques, such as mass spectrometry and immunoassays, discussing advantages and persistent technical challenges, including translocation control and signal deconvolution. Particular emphasis is placed on recent advances in protein sequencing using biological and solid-state nanopores and the integration of machine learning and signal-processing algorithms that enhance the resolution and accuracy of protein identification. Nanopore protein sensing represents a disruptive innovation in biosensing, with the potential to revolutionize clinical diagnostics, therapeutic monitoring, and personalized healthcare.