US Patent 7906316 Apparatus for detecting molecules

A molecular sensor includes a membrane layer having parallel pores extending through the membrane layer and incorporating therein probe molecules that bind with corresponding target molecules when present in the pores, electrodes, and an ionic solution in contact with the electrodes and the pores, wherein the electrodes are energized to induce an electrical current in the solution through the pores, wherein the electrical current induces an electrical parameter in the electrodes that is indicative of a through-pore electrical impedance of the pores, wherein the through-pore electrical impedance is increased when there is probe-to-target molecule binding in the pores relative to when there is an absence of such binding.