Nanopores In Brain Function

Neurotransmitters are a huge aspect of brain function, as they play roles such as communication and synaptic plasticity. When issues arise with neurotransmitters, it can lead to neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease and epilepsy. Currently, there has been progress made with the detection of neurotransmitters, once such advancement being SSNs, Solid-State nanopores, that have qualities that lead them to be capable molecular sensors for neurotransmitters. 

Neurotransmitter communication is extremely complex, and is necessary in keeping the neural balance. When neurotransmitters are imbalanced, it can lead to various neurological disorders, signifying that their detection can improve monitoring and early diagnosis of many neurological disorders. Current monitoring techniques are not detailed enough and do not have high sensitivity or molecule resolution, leading to gaps in detection. 

Currently, there have been recent advancements made that allow for high sensitivity detection of neurotransmitters. SSNs, solid-state nanopores are extremely small holes that are made into thin membranes. Thus, these nanopores are able to be molecular sensors that are detecting molecules through their specific ionic or electrical signature. This enables SSNs to differentiate between similar molecules, allowing for highly sensitive and precise detection.SSNs have multiple advantages, such as chemical stability and a longer life-span. 

Recently, a research team led by Matteo Dal Peraro and Aleksandra Radenovic EPFL were able to better understand a few concepts of how nanopores work, which can help us with designing nanopores for different distinct uses. The two concepts that were recently better understood were rectification and gating. Rectification is when there is a switch in the flow of ions, and gating is when ion flow suddenly decreases. These two can have severe effects on sensing, and have recently been understood to arise from the charges that are inside the nanopores and the interactions it has with the ions. With this, we are able to implement changes into these pores to help combat gating and rectification, and be able to use and apply them in various places.

Currently, more progress is being made with nanopores. They have shown extreme potential in playing an important role in neurotransmitter detection and monitoring. 

References:

Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne. “Scientists Uncover How Tiny “Nanopores” Learn like the Brain.” SciTechDaily, 11 Dec. 2025, scitechdaily.com/scientists-uncover-how-tiny-nanopores-learn-like-the-brain/. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.

Mostafa Salehirozveh, et al. “Nanopore-Based Neurotransmitter Detection: Advances, Challenges, and Future Perspectives.” ACS Nano, vol. 19, no. 27, 30 June 2025, pp. 24404–24424, https://doi.org/10.1021/acsnano.5c04662. Accessed 1 Dec. 2025.

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