Electrostatic Potential Well for Nanopore Polymer Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current polymer characterization methods, particularly nanopore sequencing, face challenges in achieving single nucleotide resolution due to fast and erratic DNA translocation through nanopores, leading to unreliable measurements and high reagent costs.
Innovation Solution
The technique involves using electrostatic control to position a linear charged polymer inside a nanopore by creating an electrostatic potential well, allowing for precise control and characterization of the polymer's position with single monomer accuracy through the application of time-dependent voltages to drag and locking electrodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If nanopore sequencing is used to achieve low cost and rapid polymer characterization, then reagent cost is reduced and sequencing speed is improved, but single nucleotide resolution is not achieved due to fast and erratic DNA translocation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamic control of electrostatic potential within the nanopore to adjust and control the translocation speed of DNA. By dynamically modulating the electric field strength and distribution, the system can slow down DNA movement to achieve single nucleotide resolution while maintaining high throughput sequencing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electrostatic potential parameter within the nanopore to control DNA translocation. By adjusting voltage parameters and creating electrostatic potential wells, the system can precisely control the position and movement of DNA, enabling single base resolution measurements without sacrificing sequencing speed.
2Measurement precision
If electrostatic control is applied to position polymer with single monomer accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple electrodes and voltage control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the electrode system into multiple independently controllable electrodes within the nanopore structure. This segmentation allows precise local control of electrostatic potential at different positions, enabling single monomer positioning accuracy while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular electrode design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses electrostatic potential as an intermediary field to control polymer position. Instead of direct mechanical manipulation, the electric field acts as a mediator that can precisely position charged polymer molecules through electrostatic interactions, simplifying the control mechanism while achieving high positioning precision.
3Measurement precision
If DNA translocation is slowed down to achieve single base resolution, then measurement precision is improved, but translocation time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic modulation of electrostatic potential to control DNA translocation. By applying periodic voltage pulses that create moving electrostatic potential wells, the system can guide DNA through the nanopore at controlled speeds, achieving single base resolution while minimizing total translocation time through optimized pulse frequency and amplitude.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuous electrostatic control throughout the DNA translocation process. By continuously adjusting the electrostatic potential profile within the nanopore, the system ensures optimal positioning and measurement conditions are maintained throughout the entire translocation, preventing delays while achieving high resolution.
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 method enables single nucleotide resolution and accurate characterization of polymers, such as DNA, by slowing down translocation and allowing for precise positioning and measurement within the nanopore, overcoming the limitations of existing approaches.
Implementation Method 1
Electrostatic control is used to position a linear charged polymer inside a nanopore
Implementation Method 2
an electrostatic potential well is created inside the nanopore, wherein the electrostatic potential well controls a position of the linear charged polymer inside the nanopore
Implementation Method 3
A time-dependent voltage is applied to each of two or more drag electrodes to move a linear charged polymer from a CIS part of a reservoir to a TRANS part of the reservoir
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for controlling the position of a charged polymer inside a nanopore are provided. For example, one technique includes using electrostatic control to position a linear charged polymer inside a nanopore, and creating an electrostatic potential well inside the nanopore, wherein the electrostatic potential well controls a position of the linear charged polymer inside the nanopore.