There is provided a first reservoir containing a liquid solution including a molecule to be characterized and a second reservoir for containing a liquid solution including a molecule that has been characterized. A solid state support structure is provided including an aperture having a molecular entrance providing a fluidic connection to the first reservoir and a molecular exit providing a fluidic connection to the second reservoir. One carbon nanotube is provided having a longitudinal sidewall disposed as a molecular contacting surface at the aperture. A voltage source is connected in series with the carbon nanotube for electrically biasing the carbon nanotube, and an electrical current monitor is connected in series with the carbon nanotube for monitoring changes in electrical current through the nanotube corresponding to translocation of a molecule through the aperture.