Nano-pore Sequencer Liquid Column Separation via Wettability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for forming a liquid column in nano-pore DNA sequencers face challenges in electrical insulation and miniaturization, leading to issues with sample liquid remaining outside observation areas and complex electrode arrangements, which hinder high-density liquid column array formation and suitable operation for nano-pore DNA sequencing.
Innovation Solution
A liquid column separation device and system featuring a first and second base material with hydrophilic and hydrophobic regions, where two immiscible fluids are fed to create a liquid column in contact with both materials, including an electrode and a membrane with a nano-pore, allowing for independent fluid columns and precise biological molecule analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separation wall is used to electrically insulate nano-pores, then electrical insulation is achieved, but the device structure cannot be miniaturized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an oil-based sealing liquid as an intermediary substance to electrically insulate between adjacent liquid columns containing nano-pores. This liquid intermediary replaces the need for solid separation walls, enabling electrical insulation while maintaining a miniaturized device structure without complex insulating components.
2Measurement precision
If sample liquid is contained only in reaction chambers, then observation precision is improved, but liquid column formation becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating hydrophilic regions with different wettability properties in specific locations on the substrate. This enables the sample liquid to automatically form discrete liquid columns only in designated reaction chamber areas while preventing liquid accumulation in other regions, achieving precise sample containment through surface property differentiation rather than complex physical barriers.
3Ease of operation
If electrodes and wiring are added for liquid droplet operation, then liquid manipulation is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs electro-wetting phenomenon where the substrate surface itself serves as the actuator for liquid manipulation. By applying voltage to the substrate, the wettability changes automatically cause liquid droplets to move, merge, or split without requiring separate electrodes or wiring systems. The substrate provides the service of liquid manipulation through its own electrical properties.
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 the formation of high-density liquid columns, preventing sample liquid from contacting substrates and electrodes, simplifying the setup, and facilitating effective nano-pore DNA sequencing by measuring temporal ion current changes across electrodes.
Implementation Method 1
a first base material 101 and a second base material 102, the surface of each other, wherein a hydrophobic pattern 104 is formed on a surface of the first base material 101 opposing the second base material 102
Implementation Method 2
feeding two or more fluids to be immiscible with each other to the gap between the first base material and the second base material
Implementation Method 3
When voltage is applied by the electrodes in this configuration, since such electric field that a line of electric force passes the pore is generated within the chamber, a biological molecule receives force from the electric field
Implementation Method 4
a biological molecule receives force from the electric field, and passes the nano-pore
Implementation Method 5
Since change in impedance derived from the structure of the biological molecule occurs when the biological molecule passes the nano-pore, by measuring change in a value of a current flowing between both electrodes, identification of the structure of the biological molecule is enabled
Data Source
AI summary
A solid type nano-pore sequencer is arrayed easily. In a liquid column separation device including first and second base materials, a liquid feeding unit supplies fluids to a gap between the two base materials. Hydrophilic and hydrophobic regions are disposed on a surface of the second base material, and the hydrophilic region is disposed to oppose a predetermined position of the first base material where a substance to be measured is made to pass through. Also, a flow passage space includes at least one inlet and outlet through which fluids can flow in and out. A representative length of the hydrophilic region is made larger than a distance between the first and second base materials, and thereby a liquid column capable of connecting the first base material and the second base material is formed by making two or more immiscible fluids to flow by the liquid feed unit.