Detection and manipulation of single nanoparticle (NP) dynamic assembly process by the integration of nanopore and nanoelectrode

Nanopore and ultrasmall electrode are two promising electrochemical methods for single entity studies. However, sensitivity and the selectivity of these methods are still limited. In recent years, simultaneous multiparameter detection methods have received wide attention for improving the sensitivity and selectivity of individual methods. In this talk, I will show that the two methods (nanopore sensing and nanoelectrode sensing) can be incorporated together to study single nanoparticle (NP) in solution by using a multifunctional nanopipette that contain both nanopore and nanoelectrode at the nanopipette apex. Based on the complementary and correlated ionic current from the nanopore and potential signals from the nanoelectrode, we can unambiguously differentiate various single NP events. In addition to single NP events, the dynamic assembly of NPs can be manipulated and investigated in detail by both nanopore and nanoelectrode.