(384b) Aptamer-Enabled Solid-State Nanopore Sensors for Metal Ions Detection

Water quality monitoring is crucial during space missions, particularly on the International Space Station (ISS), where water resources are limited. The ISS requires a water monitoring system that is not only compact and user-friendly but also capable of sensitively monitoring drinking water quality to protect the crew's health and safety. A promising solution is the aptamer-enabled solid-state nanopore sensor. This sensor uses selective aptamers as molecular probes, significantly improving its ability to detect small molecules with high sensitivity.

In this study, we will first characterize various metal ion specific aptamers using Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Isothermal Titration Calorimetry (ITC), and other advanced techniques, and then demonstrate the remarkable sensitivity of our compact aptamer-enabled nanopore sensing system in identifying various water contaminants, such as silver, mercury, and lead ions. The integration of solid-state nanopores with aptamer-based signal enhancement enables the ultra-sensitive detection of these heavy metal ions. This study will showcase the aptamer-integrated solid-state nanopore sensor's capability for effective water quality monitoring in the challenging conditions of space. It holds the promise of ensuring the safety and well-being of astronauts.