Movable Electrode Nanochannel for DNA Sequencing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current DNA sequencing methods face challenges in fabricating nanochannels and nanoelectrodes with sub-nanometer gaps for accurate and cost-effective single-molecule DNA detection and sequencing, as existing MEMS and nanofabrication techniques are inadequate for creating the required structures.
Innovation Solution
A DNA sequencing device with a nanochannel and movable electrodes, where the electrode gap can be adjusted between 0.3 nm to 2 nm using an actuator, such as a heating element or piezoelectric material, to measure tunneling currents for DNA sequencing, and the device uses capillary action or hydrophobic coatings for fluid confinement without a fully enclosed physical channel structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If existing MEMS and nanofabrication techniques are used to fabricate nanochannels and nanoelectrodes, then the fabrication process is relatively simple, but the manufacturing precision is insufficient to achieve sub-nanometer gaps required for accurate DNA sequencing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a movable electrode design where at least one electrode can be dynamically adjusted relative to the other electrodes. This dynamic adjustment mechanism allows the electrode gap to be tuned to sub-nanometer precision (0.3-2 nm) after fabrication, resolving the contradiction by achieving high manufacturing precision through post-fabrication adjustment rather than requiring extremely precise fabrication processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state or position parameters of the electrodes by introducing movable components that allow continuous adjustment of the electrode gap distance. This parameter change approach enables precise control of the gap size to achieve the required sub-nanometer resolution for DNA sequencing without demanding ultra-precise fabrication tolerances.
2Ease of manufacture
If a fully enclosed physical channel structure is used for fluid confinement, then the device structure is simple and robust, but the fabrication complexity increases due to the need for sub-nanometer precision channels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the fluid confinement function from the physical channel walls by using movable electrodes and capillary action instead. The nanochannel is not fully enclosed but relies on the electrode structure and surface tension effects to confine and guide the fluid stream, thereby avoiding the need for precisely fabricated enclosed channels while maintaining ease of manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs capillary action (a hydraulic principle) to confine and guide the fluid stream through the electrode gap without requiring physical enclosure. The surface tension and capillary forces naturally confine the fluid between the electrodes, eliminating the need for precisely fabricated enclosed channels and simplifying the fabrication process.
3Measurement precision
If the electrode gap is fixed at sub-nanometer size, then the DNA sequencing accuracy is high, but the device adaptability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic electrode gap structure where at least one electrode can move relative to the others, enabling continuous adjustment of the gap size. This allows the system to maintain high measurement precision at sub-nanometer gaps when needed while also providing adaptability to adjust the gap for different DNA samples, experimental conditions, or calibration requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates preliminary adjustment mechanisms that allow the electrode gap to be set to optimal values before DNA sequencing begins. This preliminary positioning ensures high measurement precision is achieved while maintaining the capability to adjust for different experimental requirements, thus balancing accuracy and adaptability.
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 fast, accurate, and cost-effective DNA sequencing by adjusting the electrode gap to detect individual nucleotides, overcoming the limitations of existing methods in achieving sub-nanometer resolution and reducing fabrication costs.
Implementation Method 1
At least a portion of the first electrode is movable relative to the second electrode to decrease a size of the electrode gap
Implementation Method 2
The actuator may include one of a heating element, a piezoelectric or piezo ceramic material, a cooling element, and an electrostatic member
Implementation Method 3
the device uses capillary action or hydrophobic coatings for fluid confinement without a fully enclosed physical channel structure
Implementation Method 4
for DNA sequencing using tunneling current
Data Source
AI summary
A DNA sequencing device and related methods, wherein the device includes a substrate, a nanochannel formed in the substrate, a first electrode positioned on a first side of the nanochannel, and a second electrode. The second electrode is positioned on a second side of the nanochannel opposite the first electrode and is spaced apart from the first electrode to form an electrode gap that is exposed in the nanochannel. At least a portion of first electrode is movable relative to the second electrode to decrease a size of the electrode gap.