Recent progress in single-molecule protein identification using 2D material-based nanodevices

Abstract

Proteins play essential roles in virtually all cellular functions, and accurate profiling of the cellular proteome is critical for understanding biological processes and diagnosing diseases. However, current protein identification methods often lack the sensitivity required to reliably detect low-abundance proteins such as signaling molecules or early-stage biomarkers. Over the past decade, highly sensitive single-molecule protein identification methods, referred to as single-molecule protein sequencing, have been proposed, mainly those based on nanopore and fluorescence techniques. Yet, a fully developed method capable of identifying full-length proteins has not been realized. This Progress Report highlights recent developments in single-molecule protein identification methods using nanomechanical approaches that leverage 2D materials for label-free mass detection. We discuss strategies to enhance nanoelectromechanical resonators for precise mass measurements of single protein molecules and outline the prospects and remaining challenges of protein identification using 2D material-based nanodevices. © 2026 Korean Physical Society