1. SMU and the University of Rhode Island have patented a cost-effective method called chemically-tuned controlled dielectric breakdown (CT-CDB) to create solid-state nanopores (SSNs), addressing issues like pore clogging and current drifts. 2. This technique allows for self-cleaning of blocked nanopores and enhances the performance of biosensors, which are crucial for rapid disease diagnosis and monitoring. 3. The method involves using a chemical additive, sodium hypochlorite, to improve the durability and reliability of SSNs, making them ideal for real-time analysis in medical applications.