"Scientists have built atom-sized pores that act like living ion channels, opening the door to next-generation nanotech.
Ion channels are extremely narrow pathways that are essential for many processes in living systems.
In living cells, ions pass through protein channels embedded in thecell membrane. This flow of ions creates electrical signals, including nerve impulses that control muscle movement. These protein channels contain extremely narrow regions and can switch between open and closed states. External signals trigger changes in the protein structure, which in turn regulate the flow of ions.
Inspired by these natural mechanisms, the research team created a solid-state system capable of forming pores close in size to biological ion channels. They started by forming a nanopore in a silicon nitride membrane. This nanopore then acted as a tiny reaction chamber where even smaller pores could be generated.
The researchers tracked the flow of ions through the membrane and observed sudden spikes in current. Similar patterns are seen in natural ion channels. Their analysis indicates that these signals likely arise from the formation of many subnanometer pores within the original nanopore.
They also found that the system could be adjusted to change how the pores behave. By modifying the composition and pH of the reactant solutions, they were able to control the size and properties of the ultrasmall pores.
The chemically driven membrane system could also support emerging technologies such as single-molecule sensing (e.g., using nanopores to sequence DNA), neuromorphic computing (using electrical spikes to mimic the behavior of biological neurons), and nanoreactors (creating unique reaction conditions through confinement)."
SciTechDaily
