DNA analysis with the biological nanopore ClyA

The transport of nucleic acids through nano-scale pores is an important biological process that occurs in all-living cells and has received strong interest for the many possible applications that can be exploited, such as fast and inexpensive DNA sequencing. Nanopore-based sensors are attractive tools for low cost and high-throughput nucleic acids analyses at single molecule level and with atomic resolution. When a nanopore is reconstituted in an artificial lipid membrane, in aqueous solution and under an electrical applied potential, ions are conducted through the nanopore generating an ionic current. Nucleic acids can enter the pore and provide a characteristic current signature, which can be used for their identification. The biological nanopores Alpha hemolysin and Porin A have been extensively employed for DNA analyses. However, their small inner lumen (