Understanding membrane transport is of central importance in biology. In many cases transport across membranes is regulated by nanometre scale openings often named nanopores. For a deeper understanding and thus better control of membrane transport our ability to engineer nanopores is crucial. DNA origami offers a novel method for designing biomimetic nanopores. We recently published work on creating a nanopore made by DNA origami (highlighted in Nature Materials). We designed 3D DNA origami pores with a smallest constriction of 7.5 nm and inserted them in fabricated solid-state nanopores with diameters of 13-18 nm in silicon nitride membranes. Salt solution was added on both sides of the silicon nitride membrane and upon applying a potential of 100 mV the DNA origami moved by electrophoresis and assembled into the solid state nanopore as measured by the reduction in ionic current. This process could be repeated since switching the polarity of the potential ejected the DNA origami from the solid state nanopore.We are now exploring the novel opportunities DNA origami offers for mimicking the properties of membrane proteins and for improving the specificity of nanopore sensors.References:Bell, N.A.W. et al. DNA origami nanopores. Nano Letters 12, 512-7 (2012).Martin, C. Designer nanopores. Nature Materials 11, 95 (2012).