Block Copolymer Nanopore for DNA Transport Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for producing nanopores for DNA sequencing face challenges in stability, reliability, and scalability, particularly in controlling the diameter of nanopores to delay DNA strand transport velocity accurately and consistently.
Innovation Solution
A DNA transport control device is developed using a block copolymer thin film with self-assembled cylindrical microdomains, where the block copolymer is formed on a base material with a base material pore, allowing for precise control of nanopore size and transport velocity by adjusting the diameter and arrangement of cylindrical microdomains.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a nanopore is produced using top-down semiconductor micromachining, then the nanopore can be formed with controlled diameter, but it is difficult to produce fine pores of 1 nm or less on a large scale with sufficient repeatability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental approach from top-down removal (micromachining) to bottom-up self-assembly (block copolymer). By controlling parameters such as block copolymer composition, molecular weight, and self-assembly conditions, nanopores of 1 nm or less are formed with high precision and repeatability, enabling large-scale production that overcomes the limitations of conventional micromachining techniques.
2Speed
If the nanopore diameter is reduced to delay DNA strand transport velocity, then the transport velocity can be controlled for accurate reading, but the difficulty of producing such fine pores increases
Solution Approach 1:
The block copolymer system performs self-assembly to automatically form nanopores with precisely controlled diameters. The self-service mechanism allows the system to self-organize into ordered structures with specific pore sizes (1 nm or less) without requiring complex external control, thereby achieving both the desired transport velocity control and manufacturing precision simultaneously.
3Reliability
If a solid-state nanopore is used, then the nanopore can be produced in a solid thin film, but it is difficult to sufficiently delay the passage velocity of DNA strand
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite structure combining block copolymer materials with solid thin film support. The block copolymer provides the self-assembled nanopore structure with appropriate diameter for velocity control, while the solid thin film substrate provides mechanical stability and reliability. This composite approach allows simultaneous achievement of velocity delay and structural reliability.
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
The device stably produces nanopores that delay DNA strand transport velocity to enable accurate base sequence reading, offering improved reliability and scalability compared to existing methods.
Implementation Method 1
the thin film includes microdomains which are formed by self-assembly of the block copolymer and penetrate the thin film
Implementation Method 2
a block copolymer lithography method using microphase separation, which is the self-assembly process of a block copolymer
Implementation Method 3
a nanopore which allows the passage of only a single molecule of DNA strand... including a cylindrical microdomain formed by self-assembly and an opening of the base material
Data Source
AI summary
The purpose of the present invention is to provide a DNA transport control device having excellent reliability and durability, and a DNA sequencing device that uses the DNA transport control device. The present invention provides a DNA transport control device having a nanopore which allows for the passage of only the DNA strand of a single molecule, and a DNA sequencing device that uses the DNA transport control device. The DNA transport control device is characterized by the following: including a base material having openings and a thin film a block copolymer formed on the base material; the thin film including microdomains that are formed as a result of self-assembly of the block copolymer and that penetrate the thin film, and a matrix surrounding the microdomains; and the nanopore being formed from one opening in the base material and a single microdomain.