Label-free analysis of physiological hyaluronan size distribution with a solid-state nanopore sensor

• DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-03439-x
• Publication Date: 2018-03-06T19:50:32Z
• Authors: Felipe Rivas; Osama K. Zahid; Heidi L. Reesink; Bridgette T. Peal; Alan J. Nixon; Paul L. DeAngelis; Aleksander Skardal; Elaheh Rahbar; Adam R. Hall
• Keywords: Nanopore

Hyaluronan (or hyaluronic acid, HA) is a ubiquitous molecule that plays critical roles in numerous physiological functions vivo, including tissue hydration, inflammation, and joint lubrication. Both the abundance size distribution of HA biological fluids are recognized as robust indicators various pathologies disease progressions. However, such analyses remain challenging because conventional methods not sufficiently sensitive, have limited dynamic range, and/or only semi-quantitative. Here we demonstrate label-free detection molecular weight discrimination with solid-state nanopore sensor. We first employ synthetic polymers to validate measurement approach then use platform determine little 10 ng extracted directly from synovial fluid an equine model osteoarthritis. Our results establish quantitative method for assessment significant biomarker bridges gap current state art.