Solid-state nanopores for scanning single molecules and mimicking biology

Solid-state nanopores, nanometer-size holes in a thin synthetic membrane, are a versatile tool for the detection and manipulation of charged biomolecules. This thesis describes mostly experimental work on DNA translocation through solid-state nanopores, which we study at the single-molecule level. In particular, we demonstrate length-wise ...

DNA and ion transport through solid-state nanopores

This thesis describes experimental work on a novel type of devices capable of detecting single-(bio)molecules; nanometer-sized pores, or nanopores. Individual nanopores are placed in between two electrolyte-filled liquid compartments and (bio)molecules are electrophoretically driven through them. During passage of a single (bio)molecule the...

Exploiting and exploring microtubules and kinesin motor proteins in nanofabricated devices

This thesis describes experimental work at the interface of nanotechnology and biology. We combine fabrication techniques from nanotechnology with motor proteins from the biological cell. Motor proteins are fascinating protein complexes with nanometer dimensions that are involved in force generation and motion inside cells. One intriguing...