Bio-inspired nanochannel sensors for detecting gaseous signaling molecules

Abstract

Drawing inspiration from natural biosensing, researchers have developed artificial nanochannels that enable efficient target detection through transmembrane ionic current readout. These nanochannel sensors exhibit distinctive nanoconfined phenomena in their selectivity, gating, and rectification, which contribute to a rapid response and heightened sensitivity in laboratory settings. This review presents a comprehensive summary of the detection applications of nanochannels for gaseous signaling molecules, including gaseous neurotransmitters (NO, CO, and H 2 S), other gaseous signaling molecules (CO 2 , SO 2 ), with particular emphasis on design concepts, recognition principles, and inspiring ideas in the representative examples. In addition, recent extensions to volatile organic compounds (VOCs), such as aldehydes, ethylene and triethylamine, are also briefly introduced to illustrate the broader potential of nanochannel platforms. The review concludes with current challenges and future opportunities for advanced nanochannel sensing.