Bridge-Molecule Molecular Sensors for Single-Molecule DNA Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current FET-type biosensor systems are limited by sensitivity, unable to perform single molecule detection and monitoring, and face challenges in precision, control, and scale for commercial viability, particularly with carbon nanostructures.
Innovation Solution
The development of sensors with a bridge molecule bridging across a sensor gap, connecting source and drain electrodes, and a probe coupled to the bridge molecule, allowing interaction detection with nucleic acids, using biopolymers or chemically synthesized molecules, and incorporating a gate electrode for tuning and activation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If FET-type biosensor systems are used, then current flow and electrical signal detection are enabled, but sensitivity is limited and single molecule detection is unable to be performed
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system is segmented into distinct functional components: FET for electrical signal detection, bridge molecule for molecular connection, and probe molecule for specific binding. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, with the probe providing single-molecule sensitivity while the FET provides robust electrical readout
Solution Approach 2:
A bridge molecule serves as an intermediary component connecting the probe molecule to the FET surface. This intermediary enables the probe to capture single molecules while maintaining electrical connection to the FET, resolving the contradiction between single-molecule sensitivity and electrical detection capability
2Measurement precision
If carbon nanostructures are used to form the channel, then sensitivity improvement is attempted, but precision, control, and scale for manufacturing are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the sensing function from the channel structure itself and places it on the FET surface through probe molecules. This separates the sensitivity-enhancing sensing function from the manufacturing-challenging carbon nanostructure channel, allowing standard FET fabrication while adding sensitive probes through controlled surface chemistry
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the sensing approach from modifying channel material properties to controlling probe molecule parameters (binding affinity, orientation, density) on the FET surface. This parameter change enables precise control over sensitivity while maintaining compatibility with standard manufacturing scales
3Measurement precision
If probe molecules are added to enhance sensitivity, then single molecule detection is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Probe molecules and bridge molecules are pre-assembled and positioned on the FET surface before final sensing operations. This preliminary action ensures optimal orientation and binding capacity, enabling single-molecule detection while maintaining a relatively simple operational device structure
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 single molecule detection and reaction dynamics, improving sensitivity and enabling efficient, commercially viable manufacturing for multi-sensor platforms.
Implementation Method 1
a bridge molecule bridging across said sensor gap, connecting the source and drain electrodes
Implementation Method 2
The channel conductance between the source and the drain can be modulated by a third electrode (also referred to as the gate) that is coupled to the channel through a thin dielectric insulating layer
Implementation Method 3
a probe coupled to the bridge molecule, wherein interaction of the probe with a nucleic acid is detectible by monitoring at least one parameter of the electrode circuit
Data Source
AI summary
Electronic sensors configured to detect single molecules and DNA methods of using and manufacturing same are disclosed. A sensor may include source and drain electrodes spaced apart by a sensor gap; a gate electrode, wherein the source, drain and gate electrodes cooperate to form an electrode circuit; and a bridge molecule bridging across the sensor gap, connecting source and drain electrodes; and a probe coupled to the bridge molecule, wherein interaction of the probe with a nucleic acid is detectable by monitoring a parameter of the electrode circuit. In various examples, the nucleic acid comprises DNA or RNA.