FENT Nanopore Sensor Electrostatic DNA Sequencing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current nanopore sequencing technologies face challenges such as low sequencing accuracy, low sequencing speed, complex manufacturing, bio-fouling, and vibration damage, leading to high error rates and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
The development of a Field Effect Nanopore Transistor (FENT) device, which integrates nanopore sequencing with semiconductor field effect transistor sensing, enabling ultra-sensitive and ultra-fast DNA sequencing by amplifying base-specific electrostatic interactions at the nanopore aperture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If ion-current blockade sequencing or protein nanopore platforms are used, then nanopore sequencing can be performed, but sequencing accuracy is low due to low sensitivity of base-sensing technologies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines field effect transistor (FET) sensing technology with nanopore sequencing to create a hybrid sensor platform. The FET's high sensitivity for detecting electrostatic interactions complements the nanopore's ability to translocate DNA, thereby improving base-sensing sensitivity and sequencing accuracy while maintaining robust signal detection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional ion-current blockade measurement mechanism with a field effect transistor-based electrostatic sensing mechanism. Instead of measuring current blockage caused by DNA passage, the FET detects changes in electrostatic field at the nanopore aperture, providing higher sensitivity and better signal-to-noise ratio
2Measurement precision
If polymerase ratcheting is used to slow down DNA, then bases can be detected, but sequencing speed decreases to ten-few hundred bases per second
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical polymerase ratcheting with an electrostatic field-based detection system. The FET sensor can detect bases at high speeds by sensing electrostatic interactions as DNA passes through the nanopore, eliminating the need to slow down DNA translocation and enabling sequencing at million bases per second speeds
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from mechanical/enzymatic interaction (polymerase ratcheting) to electrostatic field interaction (FET sensing). This parameter change allows for much faster detection speeds while maintaining base discrimination capability, as electrostatic fields can be sensed rapidly without mechanical constraints
3Productivity
If million nanopore arrays are used for whole genome sequencing, then sequencing capacity increases, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges nanopore technology with field effect transistor fabrication, allowing both components to be integrated using standard semiconductor manufacturing processes. This combination enables scalable production of nanopore sensors with consistent performance, reducing the complexity of manufacturing large arrays compared to traditional nanopore platforms
4Adaptability or versatility
If protein nanopores are used, then nanopore sequencing can be performed, but bio-fouling and vibration damage occur during shipping and handling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces biological protein nanopores with solid-state nanopores integrated into a robust FET device. The solid-state structure eliminates bio-fouling concerns and provides mechanical robustness for shipping and handling, while maintaining nanopore sequencing functionality through the solid-state aperture
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite device structure combining solid-state nanopore material with field effect transistor components. This composite approach provides both the nanopore functionality needed for DNA translocation and the mechanical robustness required for reliable shipping and handling, eliminating the fragility of pure protein-based systems
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 FENT device achieves high accuracy and rapid DNA sequencing, capable of processing up to million bases per second, thereby reducing sequencing time and cost, and overcoming the limitations of existing technologies.
Implementation Method 1
amplifying base-specific electrostatic interactions at the nanopore aperture
Implementation Method 2
semiconductor field effect transistor sensing
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides an improved device that can be used to sense and characterize a variety of materials. The device may be used for a variety of applications, including genome sequencing, protein sequencing, biomolecular sequencing, and detection of ions, molecules, chemicals, biomolecules, metal atoms, polymers, nanoparticles and the like.