Method to Analyze Translocation Events in Nanopores

Multi-level events in translocation experiments of nanopore can now be processed automatically thanks to a method devised by the team led by Professor Aleksandra Radenovic at the Laboratory of Nanoscale Biology, Lausanne.

The team has built a program called OpenNanopore, which is based on the cumulative sums (CUSUM) algorithm. The program serves as a flexible data analysis tool for nanopore experiments. The CUSUM algorithm is capable of detecting abrupt changes and helps in filling up current blockages. This will aid the user in classifying the different levels corresponding to each event. Event detection in this method is facilitated by employing adaptive thresholds that can adjust to baseline variations of low frequency.

The event identification is followed by applying the CUSUM algorithm to extract information on amplitude and time of the event by fitting the levels corresponding to each event. The extracted information allows statistical analysis of an event population comprising a specified number of levels. The recorded information and analysis provide better insight into the interactions between nanopore and molecules. Characterization of molecule-nanopore interaction is made possible as this method does not necessitate prior information about the molecules under study. The program is deemed stable and fast. The program could be applied to the identification of DNA bases by improved fabrication and control of translocation speed.