Chapter 6: Instrumentation and Data Algorithm for Single Molecule Sensing

In this chapter, we highlight the necessity of designing a nanopore sensing system for recording ultra-low and ultra-fast current events, and the latest progress in evaluating the transient information of single entities at high throughput. For the sake of single molecule sensitivity, the nanopore electrochemistry instrumentation shows the fundamental importance for acquiring a high signal-to-noise ratio, typically achieved by high bandwidth recording (>100 kHz). Under such conditions, more data processing methods, including machine learning algorithms, have been developed to handle large sets of data points from each single molecule event to distinguish useful intermediates. It should be noted that the low current recording instrumentation and the data analysis method for nanopore detection discussed here is also generally applicable to other nanointerface electrochemical measurement techniques involved in nanoelectrode measurements and single entity collisions. The future developments in advanced semiconductor techniques and the intelligent big data algorithm would be a breakthrough for the current nanopore electrochemistry in a wide range of applications.