  Purpose Nanopore-based molecular sensing and measurement, specifically
Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) sequencing, is advancing at a fast pace. Some
embodiments have matured from coarse particle counters to enabling full human
genome assembly. This evolution has been powered not only by improvements in
the sensors themselves, but also in the assisting microelectronic Complementary
Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) readout circuitry closely interfaced to them.
In this light, this paper reviews established and emerging nanopore-based
sensing modalities considered for DNA sequencing and CMOS microelectronic
methods currently being used. Design/methodology/approach Readout and amplifier
circuits which are potentially appropriate for conditioning and conversion of
nanopore signals for downstream processing are studied. Furthermore, arrayed
CMOS readout implementations are focused on and the relevant status of the
nanopore sensor technology is reviewed as well. Findings Ion channel nanopore
devices have properties unique compared with other electrochemical cells.
Currently biological nanopores are the only variants reported which can be used
for actual DNA sequencing. The translocation rate of DNA through such pores,
the current range at which these cells operate on and the cell capacitance
effect, all impose the necessity of using low noise circuits in the process of
signal detection. The requirement of using in-pixel low noise circuits in turn
tends to impose challenges in the implementation of large size arrays.
Originality/value The study presents an overview on the readout circuits used
for signal acquisition in electrochemical cell arrays and investigates the
specific requirements necessary for implementation of nanopore type
electrochemical cell amplifiers and their associated readout electronics.
