Addressable Nanopore Arrays for Reusable Molecular Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing biochips for molecular analysis are not robust, efficient, and cost-effective, despite advances in micro-miniaturization.
Innovation Solution
A nanopore array system with individually controllable and addressable cells, including a master controller, temperature controller, and fluidic system, allows for controlled electrical and temperature stimuli, and fluid delivery to facilitate lipid bilayer formation, nanopore insertion, and molecular analysis, with reusable components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If micro-miniaturization is applied to reduce biochip size, then form factor is improved, but robustness and efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The biochip is divided into multiple independently addressable cells, each capable of performing molecular analysis functions. This segmentation allows the system to maintain robustness through distributed functionality while achieving miniaturization at the chip level, as each cell operates semi-independently and can be individually controlled.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple functional components are integrated within each cell structure, including nanopores embedded in lipid bilayers, temperature control elements, and fluidic channels. This nested arrangement enables comprehensive molecular analysis functionality within miniaturized cell volumes, improving form factor while maintaining system robustness through integrated design.
2Volume of moving object
If micro-miniaturization is applied to reduce biochip size, then form factor is improved, but cost-effectiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Each cell in the array is designed to perform multiple functions including molecular trapping, electrical stimulation, temperature control, and signal detection. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components, simplifying manufacturing processes and reducing overall system cost while achieving miniaturization.
Solution Approach 2:
The biochip employs an array of identical or similar cells with standardized structures and components. This homogeneity enables batch manufacturing techniques, simplifies quality control, and reduces per-unit costs through economies of scale, making miniaturized biochips more cost-effective.
3Measurement precision
If individually addressable nanopores are used for molecular analysis, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each nanopore cell is equipped with integrated control and detection circuitry that operates autonomously, reducing the burden on external control systems. The cells can independently perform molecular trapping, apply electrical stimuli, and detect signals, which simplifies the overall device architecture while maintaining individual addressability and measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple control functions including voltage application, temperature regulation, and fluidic control are merged into integrated control circuits for each cell. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components and interconnections required, lowering device complexity while preserving the ability to individually address and precisely measure molecular characteristics.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables robust, efficient, and cost-effective molecular analysis by ensuring proper functioning of cells, forming and inserting nanopores, and reusing the biochip for multiple analyses, enhancing the reliability and versatility of biochip operations.
Implementation Method 1
a step of trapping a portion of such molecule in a nanopore, wherein each of the plurality of nanopores is individually addressable, a step of applying a variable voltage across the nanopore until the trapped portion of molecule is moved within the nanopore
Implementation Method 2
forming and inserting nanopores
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of analyzing molecules using a nanopore array including a plurality of cells included on a chip is disclosed. Nanopores are caused to be formed in at least a portion of the plurality of the cells. A first physical measurement of the nanopores is evaluated. It is determined whether to cause the molecules to interact with the nanopores. At least a portion of the nanopores is caused to interact with the molecules. A second physical measurement of the nanopores that indicates a property of the molecules is evaluated. It is determined whether to cause the nanopores to be reformed so that the cells may be reused to interact with additional molecules.