The University of Texas System

Muhammad Usman Raza

Jon Weidanz

Georgios Alexandrakis

Sai Santosh Sasank Peri

In one aspect, molecular sensors and methods of making molecular sensors are described herein. In some embodiments, such a sensor comprises a first layer having a dual nanohole structure and a second layer having at least one nanopore. In some embodiments, the first and second layer define a chip of the sensor. In another aspect, methods of sensing are described herein, which in some embodiments comprise (i) providing a test sample comprising complexed and/or non-complexed biomolecules; (ii) contacting the test sample with the first layer of the molecular sensor; (iii) irradiating the dual nanohole structure of the sensor with a beam of electromagnetic radiation; (iv) optically trapping the biomolecules in the dual nanohole structure and measuring a surface plasmon resonance; (v) applying an electric field across the nanopore of the sensor; and (vi) measuring change in current across the nanopore during one or more translocation events of the biomolecules.

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Arlington, TX, United States of America

Muhammad Usman Raza