Graphene Nanopore DNA Translocation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Solid-state nanopores lack control over DNA transport, causing DNA to transit too quickly for sequence detection in biosensing applications.
Innovation Solution
Modulating the electrostatic potential of graphene membranes to control DNA adhesion and transport through nanopores, allowing for precise control of DNA translocation in single nucleotide steps, enabling sequence detection via ionic current measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If solid-state nanopores are used for DNA sequencing, then mechanical strength and integration with electronics are improved, but control over DNA transport is lost causing too-fast transit for detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary protein motor (such as DNA polymerase or other nucleic acid transport proteins) that mediates between the solid-state nanopore structure and the DNA molecule. This protein motor provides the necessary control mechanism to regulate DNA translocation speed through the nanopore, allowing sequential nucleotide passage for detection while maintaining the structural advantages of solid-state nanopores.
2Measurement precision
If external electric field is applied to force charged analytes through nanopore, then detection capability is improved, but transport control is insufficient for sequence reading
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs self-service mechanisms where the protein motor utilizes the membrane potential difference generated by the external electric field to drive its own function of transporting DNA through the nanopore. The system leverages the electrical field energy to power the conformational changes in the protein motor that sequentially move nucleotides through the pore, achieving both detection and controlled transport.
3Productivity
If DNA transits nanopore too fast, then throughput is improved, but sequence detection is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action through the cyclic operation of the protein motor, which alternates between binding to a nucleotide, catalyzing its translocation through the nanopore, and releasing it for detection. This periodic mechanism allows controlled sequential passage of nucleotides at optimized speeds that enable detection while maintaining reasonable throughput, rather than continuous rapid transit.
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 allows for controlled and slowed DNA transport through nanopores, enabling effective sequence detection and increasing throughput in DNA sequencing and biosensing applications.
Implementation Method 1
modulating the electrostatic potential of graphene membranes to control DNA adhesion and transport through nanopores
Implementation Method 2
hydrophobic sticking of DNA bases to the surface of graphene that was found to control the rate of DNA transport through nanopores
Implementation Method 3
External electric field forces charged analytes to transit the nanopore from one side of the membrane to the other, modulating the current of ions flowing through the nanopore
Data Source
AI summary
A system that incorporates the subject disclosure may include, for example, a method for selectively applying an electrical potential to a top surface of a membrane having a nanopore to repel or attract a molecular strand from the top surface of the membrane, applying a second electrical potential to a bottom surface of the membrane to repel or attract the molecular strand from the bottom surface of the membrane, applying a third electrical potential to an electrolyte solution to apply a transport force on the molecular strand to displace a section of the molecular strand into the nanopore, arresting the section of the molecular strand in the nanopore by adjusting of the first electrical potential, the second electrical potential, the third electrical potential, or combinations thereof, and measuring a signal at the nanopore to identify the section of the molecular strand. Other embodiments are disclosed.