Nanofluidic Channel Actuation for DNA Sequencing Precision
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current DNA sequencing technologies face challenges in fabricating nanochannels and electrode gaps of precise dimensions (0.3 nm to 2 nm) required for direct DNA sequencing, which affects the resolution and cost-effectiveness of measuring individual nucleotides in DNA strands.
Innovation Solution
A DNA sequencing device with actuators, such as heating elements, piezoelectric or electrostatic members, embedded in the substrate to adjust the nanochannel and electrode gap sizes with Angstrom-level precision, allowing for mechanical actuation to control the nanochannel dimensions and electrode gaps, enabling precise measurement of tunneling currents across individual nucleotides.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional fabrication methods are used to create nanochannels and electrode gaps, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but manufacturing precision deteriorates (cannot achieve 0.3 nm to 2 nm precision)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical/lithographic fabrication methods with a self-assembly approach using DNA molecules as templates. The DNA strands naturally form double-helix structures that define precise nanochannel dimensions, eliminating the need for complex top-down lithography to achieve sub-nanometer precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of how dimensions are defined - instead of using fixed lithographic patterns, the system uses the controllable properties of DNA molecules (length, sequence, binding affinity) to dynamically define and adjust nanochannel and electrode gap dimensions at the molecular scale.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed-dimensional nanochannels are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but adaptability deteriorates (cannot adjust for different sequencing requirements)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static nanochannel structure into a dynamic system where dimensions can be adjusted in real-time. actuators positioned within the nanochannel can move to change the effective channel width and electrode gap spacing, allowing the same physical structure to adapt to different sequencing modes and requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs a universal nanochannel platform that can perform multiple functions by adjusting actuator positions. The same basic structure serves as both the channel wall and the actuation mechanism, and can accommodate different electrode configurations and sequencing protocols without requiring separate devices.
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 direct measurement of individual nucleotides with high tunneling current signal-to-noise ratio, achieving rapid and low-cost DNA sequencing by controlling the nanochannel and electrode gap dimensions, thereby improving the resolution and throughput of DNA sequencing.
Implementation Method 1
The actuator may include at least one of a heating element, a piezoelectric or piezoceramic material, a cooling element, and an electrostatic member
Implementation Method 2
The actuator may include at least one of a heating element, a piezoelectric or piezoceramic material, a cooling element, and an electrostatic member
Implementation Method 3
The actuator may include at least one of a heating element, a piezoelectric or piezoceramic material, a cooling element, and an electrostatic member
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and methods to a DNA sequencing device and related methods that includes a substrate, a nanochannel formed in the substrate, a first electrode, a second electrode arranged opposite the first electrode, a distance between the first and second electrodes defining an electrode gap that is exposed within the nanochannel, and at least one actuator operable to move at least one of the first and second electrodes to adjust a size of the electrode gap.