2026-09-23T09:44:21Z https://www.ideals.illinois.edu/oai-pmh

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/127427 2026-02-03 col_2142_5131 col_2142_14828 com_2142_5130 com_2142_14827 com_2142_14793 com_2142_8903

application/pdf en text Submission published under a 24 month embargo labeled 'Closed Access', the embargo will last until 2026-12-01 The student, Behzad Mehrafrooz, accepted the attached license on 2024-08-01 at 10:33. The student, Behzad Mehrafrooz, submitted this Dissertation for approval on 2024-08-01 at 10:40. This Dissertation was approved for publication on 2024-08-08 at 12:22. DSpace SAF Submission Ingestion Package generated from Vireo submission #21179 on 2025-03-28 at 14:53:00 Nanopore systems for protein characterization and biomimicry Mehrafrooz, Behzad 2024-08-08 Aksimentiev, Aleksei Aksimentiev, Aleksei Wanunu, Meni Sing, Charles E. Pogorelov, Taras Nanopore Molecular Dynamics Simulations Sequencing Protein Engineering eng Nanopore technology stands at the forefront of molecular analysis, offering unparalleled capabilities in single-molecule detection and sequencing. Its applications encompass genomics, proteomics, and biosensing, providing profound insights into biomolecular structures and functions. This technology enables real-time, label-free analysis of nucleic acids and proteins, promising transformative impacts in diagnostics, personalized medicine, and basic biological research. This thesis focuses on three primary applications of nanopore technology: sequencing, sensing, and biomimicry. The initial chapter introduces a method to transform nanoscale pores into highly selective, anion-conducting channels, leveraging a significant electro-osmotic effect. This approach facilitates the unidirectional movement of proteins through nanopores, accompanied by an analysis of the forces impacting peptides during electro-osmotic flow. The subsequent chapter shifts focus to the biosensing capabilities of nanopore technology. Rather than achieving single-amino acid resolution, this segment explores the translocation of entire proteins through nanopores. Specifically, we investigated the translocation mechanisms by applying external electric fields to push small proteins, such as cytochrome c$_2$, through ultrathin silicon nitride membranes. Additionally, this section explores the impact of protein knots on translocation dynamics. Finally, we developed a proof-of-concept proteome characterization system that identifies proteins based on their ionic current signatures as they traverse a series of nanopores. The third chapter discusses biomimicry, where nanopore technology is employed to mimic human skin structure, leading to the development of vapor-permeable, dehydrated nanoporous biomimetic membranes utilizing nanopore proteins. The final chapter investigates the engineering of a switchable artificial metalloprotein aimed at enhancing hydrogen bonding, presenting a Gln-responsive biological probe for future biosensing applications. 2024-12 Thesis https://hdl.handle.net/2142/127427 Copyright 2024 Behzad Mehrafrooz School of Molecular & Cell Bio Biophysics & Quant Biology University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Ph.D. Dissertation