Flow Cell Porous Molecular Network Patterning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current biological and chemical research protocols face challenges in efficiently patterning and functionalizing substrates at the nanometer scale for controlled reactions, particularly in creating selective and removable surface chemistry that does not interfere with subsequent sequencing operations.
Innovation Solution
A flow cell and sequencing system utilizing a selectively removable porous molecular network composed of a supramolecular amine and di-imide network, which self-assembles on a substrate to create exposed regions for surface chemistry attachment, allowing for precise patterning and easy removal without affecting underlying substrates or enzymes, and includes nanostructures with attached enzymes for enhanced detection capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a porous molecular network is applied to pattern the substrate, then nanometer-scale patterning precision is improved, but the complexity of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The porous molecular network acts as a temporary intermediary masking layer that enables precise nanometer-scale patterning. The network self-assembles from small molecules (melamine and perylene diimide) to form a structured mask that defines exposed regions for surface chemistry attachment. After functionalization, the intermediary is removed via oxidation, having served its patterning purpose without permanently complicating the device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in the molecular network's chemical state to achieve patterning. The network transitions from a reduced state (when self-assembled and functional) to an oxidized state (when removed). This parameter change allows the same structural feature to serve dual purposes: as a patterning mask during functionalization and as a removable temporary structure afterward, maintaining precision without permanent complexity.
2Ease of operation
If the porous molecular network is made removable, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability of the surface chemistry may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the porous molecular network selectively removable through oxidation while leaving the surface chemistry intact. The network's local chemical composition (containing oxidizable groups) differs from the surface chemistry regions, allowing selective removal of the network from specific areas without affecting the attached functional layers. This localized differential property enables easy removal while preserving surface chemistry reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The surface chemistry is attached to the porous molecular network before the network is removed. This preliminary action ensures that the functionalization is complete and stable prior to removal. The sequence of operations—first attach, then remove—prevents damage to the surface chemistry by ensuring it is firmly established on the substrate before the temporary network structure is eliminated.
3Manufacturing precision
If the porous molecular network remains on the substrate, then manufacturing precision is maintained, but loss of time occurs due to inability to reuse the substrate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements discarding and recovering by removing the porous molecular network after it has served its patterning function. The network is deliberately discarded through oxidative removal, while the substrate is recovered for reuse. This separation allows the expensive or time-consuming substrate to be reused multiple times, with only the temporary, inexpensive molecular network being consumed in each cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the patterning system into two distinct components: the reusable substrate and the disposable porous molecular network. This segmentation allows the network to be independently removed and replaced between uses, enabling substrate reuse while maintaining patterning precision. The network becomes a consumable patterning agent rather than a permanent substrate modification.
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 precise nanometer-scale patterning and functionalization, minimizing interference during sequencing operations, and allows for the efficient removal and reapplication of the porous molecular network, enhancing interaction with reagents and maintaining surface chemistry integrity.
Implementation Method 1
a selectively removable porous molecular network on the substrate and defining exposed substrate regions
Implementation Method 2
a planar supramolecular network of an amine and a di-imide
Implementation Method 3
The flow cell further comprises a tether attaching the polymerase to the nanostructure
Data Source
AI summary
In an example, a flow cell includes a substrate, a selectively removable porous molecular network on the substrate and defining exposed substrate regions, and sequencing surface chemistry on at least some of the exposed regions. The sequencing surface chemistry is selected from the group consisting of i) an activated pad, a polymer layer attached to the activated pad, and a primer attached to the polymer layer; or ii) a nanostructure and an enzyme attached to the nanostructure.