Coupled Nanopores for Molecular Elongation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing nanopore devices often fail to elongate and straighten molecules under study, leading to incomplete molecular information being collected.
Innovation Solution
A molecular analysis component comprising two substrates with nanopores, where the nanopores are separated by a distance of about 0.5 nm to 500 nm, allowing for the translocation of molecules through both nanopores and the collection of signals related to this translocation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a single nanopore is used in traditional nanopore devices, then the device structure is simple, but the molecule cannot be effectively elongated and straightened, resulting in incomplete molecular information
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the nanopore function into multiple segments by using multiple nanopores (first nanopore and second nanopore) separated by a distance. This segmentation allows the molecule to be processed in stages - entering through the first nanopore and exiting through the second nanopore - thereby achieving effective elongation and straightening while maintaining complete molecular information.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-point nanopore analysis to a spatially distributed nanopore system. By positioning nanopores at different locations (separated by a distance), the system adds a spatial dimension that enables the molecule to be stretched and straightened along the separation direction, improving information completeness without excessive complexity.
2Length of moving object
If nanopores are placed close together (0.5 nm to 500 nm separation), then molecule elongation is effective, but the device requires precise positioning and control
Solution Approach 1:
The invention optimizes the separation distance parameter between nanopores to fall within a specific range (0.5 nm to 500 nm). This parameter change allows the system to achieve effective molecule elongation while maintaining manufacturability. The specific range balances the competing requirements of sufficient separation for elongation with closeness for effective coupling.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention allows for dynamic adjustment of the nanopore separation distance within the optimized range. This dynamic capability enables the system to adapt to different molecule sizes and types, achieving effective elongation for various molecular configurations while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through adjustable rather than fixed precise positioning.
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 design enables the effective elongation and analysis of molecules, improving the completeness of molecular information collected compared to traditional nanopore devices.
Implementation Method 1
translocating a molecule through (i) a first nanopore extending through a first substrate and (ii) a second nanopore extending through a second substrate
Data Source
AI summary
A molecular analysis component, comprising: a first substrate having a first nanopore extending therethrough and the first nanopore having a diameter; and a second substrate having a second nanopore extending therethrough and the second nanopore having a diameter, the first and second nanopores both extending in a direction, and the first and second nanopores are separated by a distance of from about 0.5 nm to about 500 nm as measured along the direction, the distance optionally being of from about 5 nm to about 250 nm. A method, comprising: translocating a molecule through (i) a first nanopore extending through a first substrate and (ii) a second nanopore extending through a second substrate, the first and second nanopores both extending along a direction, the first and second nanopores being separated by a distance as measured along the direction; and collecting at least one signal related to the translocation of the molecule through at least one of the first nanopore and the second nanopore, the molecule optionally comprising a polynucleotide.