CNTFET Nanopore Sequencing via Source-Drain Current Modulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current full-genome sequencing technologies are inadequate in terms of performance and cost, making them inefficient for predicting and minimizing diseases through personalized preventive medicine.
Innovation Solution
A detector apparatus using a membrane with nanopores and carbon nanotube field-effect transistors (CNTFETs) that detect charge-tagged molecules by modifying the source-to-drain current in response to the electrostatic potential changes caused by the molecules translocating through the nanopores, enabling identification of nucleic acid sequences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional chemical- or enzymatic-based shot-gun DNA sequencing is used, then sequencing can be performed with current technologies, but the performance is inadequate and cost is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional chemical- or enzymatic-based sequencing mechanisms with a solid-state nanopore detection system. The nanopore device uses physical translocation of DNA molecules through a nanoscale pore, detected by ionic current changes, substituting complex biochemical reactions with a simpler physical measurement approach. This reduces manufacturing complexity and cost while improving sequencing performance.
2Productivity
If conventional shot-gun DNA sequencing is used, then sequencing can be performed, but it is time-consuming and inefficient for personalized medicine
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs preliminary actions by preparing charge-tagged DNA molecules before translocation, where each nucleotide is labeled with a distinct charge tag. This pre-preparation enables direct detection during translocation without requiring subsequent complex analysis steps, significantly reducing sequencing time and improving efficiency for personalized medicine applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces time-consuming chemical- or enzymatic-based sequencing processes with a rapid solid-state nanopore translocation method. DNA molecules are pulled through the nanopore by an electric field, and nucleotides are identified in real-time based on their charge tag signatures in the ionic current, enabling much faster sequencing compared to conventional methods.
3Measurement precision
If charge-tagged molecules are detected through nanopore translocation, then sensitive and efficient detection is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a solid-state nanopore membrane as the core detection element. The nanopore provides a nanoscale constriction that enables sensitive detection of translocating molecules through ionic current blockage. This porous structure achieves high detection sensitivity while maintaining relatively simple device architecture compared to other advanced detection methods.
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
This approach allows for sensitive and efficient detection of nucleic acid sequences, providing a cost-effective and time-efficient method for full-genome sequencing, facilitating personalized medicine by correlating gene-type to gene-function.
Implementation Method 1
detecting a first amplitude of a source-to-drain current in a first field effect transistor, the first amplitude indicative of at least one charge tag in the charge-tagged molecule modifying an electrostatic potential of a gate portion of the first field-effect transistor
Implementation Method 2
The membrane contains a nanopore and the first field-effect transistor is configured to undergo a change in amplitude of a source-to-drain current when at least a portion of a charge-tagged molecule translocates through the nanopore
Data Source
AI summary
A detector apparatus includes a field-effect transistor configured to undergo a change in amplitude of a source-to-drain current when at least a portion of a charge-tagged molecule translocates through the nanopore. In some implementations, the field-effect transistor is a carbon nanotube field effect transistor and the nanopore is located in a membrane. In other implementations, the field-effect transistor is a carbon nanotube field effect transistor and the nanopore is implemented in the form of a nano-channel in a semiconductor layer.