Molecular Detection Unit Chip Layered Flow Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current nanopore sequencing devices face challenges in fabricating through-substrate structures due to limitations in high aspect ratio micro-nano processing technology, restricting the production and mass production of these devices.
Innovation Solution
A molecular detection unit and chip design that includes a single-hole liquid storage cavity, liquid resistance flow channel, buffer flow channel, and sensing electrode, where the first structural layer contains independent liquid storage and buffer flow channels, and a second structural layer covers the buffer flow channel, allowing for improved chip production efficiency and voltage sequencing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If through-holes are made in the substrate to create liquid storage cavity and buffer flow channel, then the device structure is simple, but the manufacturing precision deteriorates due to limitations in high aspect ratio micro-nano processing technology
Solution Approach 1:
The substrate is divided into multiple layers (first substrate layer, second substrate layer) with flow channels formed in between. This segmentation allows each layer to be processed independently with lower aspect ratios, avoiding the manufacturing precision limitations of single-layer through-hole fabrication while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The design transitions from vertical through-holes (one-dimensional penetration) to horizontal flow channels between layers (two-dimensional routing). This dimensional change enables buffer flow channels to be formed without requiring high aspect ratio through-holes, thus resolving the manufacturing precision issue while keeping the device structure relatively simple.
2Ease of manufacture
If through-holes are used for liquid storage cavity and buffer flow channel, then fabrication is straightforward, but productivity deteriorates due to restrictions on mass production
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the device into multiple layers with flow channels formed between them, the fabrication process becomes more compatible with standard semiconductor manufacturing techniques. This enables batch processing and mass production while maintaining ease of manufacture, as each layer can be processed independently using conventional fabrication methods.
3Device complexity
If sample and buffer flow channels are not isolated, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to cross-contamination and reduced signal-to-noise ratio
Solution Approach 1:
The flow channel system is segmented into separate sample flow channels and buffer flow channels that do not intersect. This spatial segmentation prevents cross-contamination between sample and buffer, improving measurement precision while keeping the overall device structure relatively simple through systematic channel arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
Sample and buffer flow channels are routed in different spatial dimensions or planes within the multi-layer structure. This dimensional separation allows both channel types to coexist without crossing, preventing cross-contamination and improving signal-to-noise ratio while maintaining manageable device complexity.
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 design enhances chip production efficiency, reduces cross-contamination, and improves signal-to-noise ratio by isolating sample and buffer flow channels, enabling effective voltage sequencing and DNA base detection.
Implementation Method 1
a nanopore embedded in the membrane... the sensing electrode is arranged in the substrate; one end of the sensing electrode is connected to the single-hole liquid storage cavity for detecting a voltage applied to a side of the single-hole liquid storage cavity
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are a molecule detection unit, a chip and a preparation method. The molecule detection unit includes a single-hole liquid storage cavity, a liquid resistance flow channel, a buffer flow channel, a sensing electrode, a substrate, a first structural layer, a second structural layer and a sample flow channel. The first structural layer is arranged on the top of the substrate; the single-hole liquid storage cavity and the buffer flow channel are arranged in the first structural layer and are independent of each other; the liquid resistance flow channel is arranged in the first structural layer, and two ends of the liquid resistance flow channel are respectively communicated with the single-hole liquid storage cavity and the buffer flow channel; the second structural layer is arranged on the top of the first structural layer and covers the top of the buffer flow channel.