Stochastic sensors inspired by biology

Sensory systems use a variety of membrane-bound receptors, including respon sive ion channels, to discriminate between a multitude of stimuli. Here we describe how engineered membrane pores can be used to make rapid and sensit ive biosensors with potential applications that range from the detection of biological warfare agents to pharmaceutical screening. Notably, use of the engineered pores in stochastic sensing, a single-molecule detection techno logy, reveals the identity of an analyte as well as its concentration.