Intersecting Nanochannels for Single-Molecule Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current nanofluidic devices for single-molecule sensing and nucleic acid sequencing face challenges in device-to-device variability due to complex electrode fabrication and limited temporal resolution of fluorescent-based systems, which require bulky and expensive optics.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates substrates with fluid transport nanochannels and intersecting sensing nanochannels, where the sensing channels are orthogonal and have smaller dimensions to inhibit analyte transport, allowing for the application of a transverse bias current and simultaneous fluorescent imaging to characterize molecules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If integrated miniature electrodes are incorporated for single-molecule sensing, then sensing capability is improved, but device fabrication complexity increases and device-to-device variability increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sensing function from integrated electrodes and relocates it to a separate intersecting nanochannel. This separation allows the transport channel to focus on molecule delivery while the sensing channel performs detection, eliminating the complexity of integrating electrodes into the substrate and reducing fabrication steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The intersecting sensing nanochannel acts as an intermediary structure that bridges the transport channel and the detection system. Instead of directly integrating electrodes into the substrate, the sensing channel serves as a mediator that enables sensing through ionic current measurements, simplifying the overall device architecture.
2Measurement precision
If fluorescent-based sensing systems are used, then molecular visualization is improved, but temporal resolution is limited and device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges fluorescent-based visualization with ionic current sensing in a dual-mode detection system. The intersecting nanochannel configuration enables both optical imaging and electrical measurements to occur simultaneously at the same location, allowing complementary characterization of molecules without sacrificing temporal resolution in either modality.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensing nanochannel enables continuous ionic current monitoring that occurs at much higher temporal resolution than fluorescent imaging. This continuous electrical measurement runs parallel to and complements the lower-resolution optical imaging, providing uninterrupted detection of molecular translocation events.
3Measurement precision
If sensing nanochannels with smaller dimensions are used to inhibit analyte transport, then sensing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a third dimension by adding an intersecting sensing nanochannel that crosses perpendicular to the transport channel. This orthogonal arrangement creates a cross-shaped structure where the sensing channel's smaller dimensions provide precise sensing without complicating the transport channel's function, as the two channels operate in different spatial dimensions.
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 approach enables efficient molecular property evaluation and identification with reduced device variability and cost, providing complementary characterization of individual analyte molecules through monitoring perturbations in ionic current and imaging.
Implementation Method 1
monitoring for perturbation of a transverse ionic current associated with the analyte in the fluid transport nanochannel
Implementation Method 2
application of a transverse bias current
Data Source
AI summary
Devices, such as chips for DNA analysis, have at least one fluid transport nanochannel with at least one intersecting (e.g., transverse) sensing nanochannel that can be monitored for change in ionic current to determine characteristics or parameters of interest, e.g., molecular identification, length determination, localized (probe) mapping and the like.