Nanofluidic DNA Analysis Device with Tapered Channels
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current DNA analysis methods, such as DNA sequencing and optical mapping, are costly, time-consuming, and require complex instrumentation, limiting their accessibility and throughput.
Innovation Solution
A nanofluidic analysis device with a detection nanochannel of no more than 35 μm in length, featuring 3D tapered inlets and outlets, allows for the spontaneous flow of DNA molecules without external forces, enabling real-time analysis and high throughput.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If DNA sequencing is used to obtain deep information about every base pair, then the level of information provided is high, but the cost, time, and device complexity increase enormously
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the DNA analysis process by using restriction enzymes to cut DNA into fragments that are then analyzed individually through the nanofluidic device. This segmentation allows comprehensive genomic information to be obtained without requiring analysis of the entire long DNA molecule, thereby reducing device complexity and analysis time while maintaining high information content
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses optical mapping to create a fingerprint or barcode representation of the DNA molecule's structural features rather than sequencing every base pair. This copying approach captures essential genomic information in a simplified format that can be analyzed with less complex instrumentation compared to full sequencing
2Reliability
If DNA optical mapping is used to reduce costs compared to sequencing, then the cost decreases, but the instrumentation remains expensive and throughput is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the traditional optical microscopy system with a nanofluidic-based detection system that uses fluorescence correlation spectroscopy or similar single-molecule detection methods. This substitution eliminates the need for expensive microscopes and cameras while enabling higher throughput through automated, rapid detection of DNA molecules as they pass through the nanochannel
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameters by moving from imaging-based detection to signal-based detection in the nanofluidic regime. By detecting fluorescence signals from individual DNA molecules as they translocate through the nanochannel, the system achieves higher throughput and lower instrument costs compared to traditional optical mapping
3Measurement precision
If external forces such as electrophoresis voltage or pressure gradient are applied to stretch DNA molecules for detection, then the DNA molecules can be visualized, but the costs increase and the setup becomes more complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The nanofluidic device structure itself provides the DNA stretching function through its geometric constraints. The narrow nanochannel automatically extends DNA molecules as they pass through, eliminating the need for external electrophoresis equipment or pressure gradient systems. The device serves its own stretching function through its design
4Measurement precision
If long nanochannels are used to stretch DNA molecules for optical mapping, then the DNA molecules can be stretched for detection, but the maximum visualizable length is limited by the camera field of view
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the long nanochannel stretching approach with a detection method that measures DNA properties as molecules pass through a short nanofluidic element. By using fluorescence correlation spectroscopy or single-molecule detection in the nanofluidic regime, the system can determine DNA length and structure without requiring the entire molecule to be visible in a camera field of view
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
The device facilitates faster, cheaper, and simpler DNA analysis with high resolution, capable of detecting and discriminating DNA molecules of various lengths without the need for expensive equipment or external forces.
Implementation Method 1
a laser detector system is provided for analyzing the DNA molecules in the detection nanochannel
Data Source
AI summary
A nanofluidic analysis device allowing for spontaneous flow of molecules and method for the analysis of DNA molecules, the device comprising a detection nanochannel, a supply channel in fluid communication with an inlet for the detection nanochannel and a discharge channel in fluid communication with an outlet for the detection nanochannel, so that a fluid comprising DNA molecules introduced into the supply channel may flow along a flow direction through the supply channel, via the inlet into the detection nanochannel, through the detection nanochannel, and out of the outlet into the discharge channel, wherein a laser detector system is provided for analyzing the DNA molecules in the detection nanochannel, wherein both a width and a depth of the inlet and thereby a cross section of the inlet decrease along the flow direction and wherein both a width and a depth of the outlet and thereby a cross section of the outlet increase along the flow direction, wherein the detection nanochannel has a length of not more than 35 μm.