Nanopore sequencing & molecular sensing

Reading life,
one molecule at a time.

We explore and develop protein and synthetic DNA nanopores to read molecular information. Our research connects nanopore DNA sequencing, peptide analysis, and biomarker sensing with the design of programmable DNA nanostructures.

DNA sequencing
Peptide analysis
Biomarker sensing

Single-stranded DNA passing through a protein nanopore embedded in a phospholipid membrane — DNA sequencing through a protein nanopore.

01DNA Nanotechnology & Synthetic Pores

Conceptual illustration of a blue square DNA nanopore spanning a grey lipid membrane with cholesterol anchors, inspired by Xing and colleagues’ 2022 study

We design synthetic nanostructures including membrane nanopores from self-assembled DNA. This approach offers unparalleled structural precision and produces tailor-made nanotools for molecular sensing (Nature Nanotechnology 2022), biophysical research, and synthetic cell biology (Nature Communications 2023).

02Biological nanopores

Conceptual illustration inspired by Dorey and Howorka: DNA and peptide translocation through blue biological nanopores spanning a grey lipid bilayer

We investigate biological nanopores to understand molecular transport across lipid membranes. Detailed structural and biophysical analyses reveal how the CsgG protein pore (Nature 2014) and the Nisin peptide pore work, supporting applications in DNA nanopore sequencing (Nature Chemistry 2024), biomarker analysis, and the fight against antimicrobial resistance.

03Biophysics & Biomedical Applications

Two grey lipid vesicles containing red dye molecules: three cholesterol-anchored DNA nanopores on the large vesicle and a radially rotated pore on the smaller vesicle

Biophysical understanding of programmable nanodevices paves the way to use engineered nanotools for biomedical applications. Current research directions include responsive membrane gates for drug release from membrane vesicles and membrane-coated nanodevices for drug delivery.

04Support Programmes for Early Career Researchers

A supporting hand holding a research book, brain, gears and an idea bulb, representing skills and support for early-career researchers

Stefan Howorka also develops support programmes that equip early-career researchers with the skills and experience needed to become independent scientific leaders (Nature Reviews Chemistry 2022) and gain their first fellowship (Nature 2026).