Some types of bacteria kill other cells by releasing proteins called “pore-forming toxins” (PFTs) that create holes in the cell membrane. The PFTs bind to the cell membrane and burrow into, creating a tube-like channel or pore. Once enough holes have been punched into the cell membrane by these toxins, the target cell destroys itself.
However, PFTs have captured the interest of scientists in many areas other than a bacterial infection. The nano-sized pores or nanopores that the toxins form can be used to “sense” biomolecules.
