Biomolecule‐Functionalized Solid‐State Ion Nanochannels/Nanopores: Features and Techniques

Abstract

Solid‐state ion nanochannels/nanopores, the biomimetic products of biological ion channels, are promising materials in real‐world applications due to their robust mechanical and controllable chemical properties. Functionalizations of solid‐state ion nanochannels/nanopores by biomolecules pave a wide way for the introduction of varied properties from biomolecules to solid‐state ion nanochannels/nanopores, making them smart in response to analytes or external stimuli and regulating the transport of ions/molecules. In this review, two features for nanochannels/nanopores functionalized by biomolecules are abstracted, i.e., specificity and signal amplification. Both of the two features are demonstrated from three kinds of nanochannels/nanopores: nucleic acid–functionalized nanochannels/nanopores, protein‐functionalized nanochannels/nanopores, and small biomolecule‐functionalized nanochannels/nanopores, respectively. Meanwhile, the fundamental mechanisms of these combinations between biomolecules and nanochannels/nanopores are explored, providing reasonable constructs for applications in sensing, transport, and energy conversion. And then, the techniques of functionalizations and the basic principle about biomolecules onto the solid‐state ion nanochannels/nanopores are summarized. Finally, some views about the future developments of the biomolecule‐functionalized nanochannels/nanopores are proposed.

Nanomaterials Innovation

“…As the biomimetic products of biological ion channels, nanochannels/nanopores are promising materials in response to analyses or external stimuli and regulating the transport of ions/molecules. [5] Xia summarized the biomolecule-functionalized solid-state ion nanochannels/nanopores, including its features on recognition and signal amplification. The modification of nucleic acids, proteins and small biomolecules specifically enhanced these features of nanochannels/nanopores.…”

“…The modification of nucleic acids, proteins and small biomolecules specifically enhanced these features of nanochannels/nanopores. [5] Several interesting properties of nanomaterials have been reported by researchers worldwide. As an interdisciplinary research field, nanotechnology has also played roles in traditional electrical engineering.…”

“…Xia summarized the biomolecule‐functionalized solid‐state ion nanochannels/nanopores, including its features on recognition and signal amplification. The modification of nucleic acids, proteins and small biomolecules specifically enhanced these features of nanochannels/nanopores …”

Enzyme and AIEgens Modulated Solid‐State Nanochannels: In Situ and Noninvasive Monitoring of H2O2 Released from Living Cells

“…The electrodes are utilized as driving force for molecules/ions transport. At the same time, the current signal is monitored . When functional molecules are modified into nanochannels, targets bond with these functional molecules and form covalent or noncovalent interactions specifically.…”

“…At the same time, the current signal is monitored. [12][13][14][15][16] When functional molecules are modified into nanochannels, targets bond with these functional molecules and form covalent or noncovalent interactions specifically. These interactions between functional molecules and targets will alter the pro perties of nanochannel surface, which change ionic transmission and thus affect ionic current.…”