Controlling molecular transport through nanopores with mechanical forces and DNA origami structures

Nanopores are emerging as powerful tools for the detection and identification of macromolecules in aqueous solution. Here, we discuss the recent development of active and passive controls over molecular transport through nanopores with emphasis on biosensing applications. I will present a broad overview of the solutions developed to enhance the sensitivity and specificity of the resistive-pulse technique based on nanopores. We will also summarize our recent developments of hybrid nanopores employing biological as well as DNA origami nanopores. The latter offer molecular control of the nanopore architecture at the molecular level. I will discuss that DNA origami nanopores are ideally suited for the creation of sensors with tunable diameter as well as more complex functions like voltage gating.