Nano-fluidic Device DNA Confinement via Segmented Electrodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current nano-fluidic devices are difficult to fabricate due to their architecture and size, and they fail to adequately confine or conform DNA within nanopores, leading to impaired sensing of DNA bases.
Innovation Solution
A nano-fluidic device with a channel and strategically positioned electrodes that apply spatially varying electric fields to confine and transport charged molecules, such as DNA, within a predetermined area, allowing for better sensing of DNA bases by controlling its conformation and alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If traditional nanopore architecture is used, then device size is reduced, but manufacturing difficulty increases and DNA confinement capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the channel into multiple segments with different electrode configurations. The channel is segmented into regions with first electrodes on one side and second electrodes on the other side, allowing independent control of different channel sections. This segmentation enables complex DNA manipulation functions while using standard fabrication techniques for each segment.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from traditional two-dimensional nanopore membranes to three-dimensional microfluidic channels with electrodes positioned on multiple sides. This dimensional change allows for more flexible electrode placement and DNA confinement strategies without the manufacturing constraints of nanopore fabrication.
2Volume of moving object
If traditional nanopore architecture is used, then device size is reduced, but DNA confinement capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs dynamic electric field control through independently biased electrodes to actively confine and manipulate DNA molecules. By applying time-varying voltages to different electrode pairs, the system can dynamically adjust DNA position, orientation, and conformation within the channel, achieving precise confinement that static nanopore structures cannot provide.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical parameters of DNA confinement from geometric constraints (nanopore size) to electric field parameters (voltage, field strength, field distribution). By controlling electric field parameters through programmable power supplies, the system achieves precise DNA confinement and manipulation without requiring ultra-precise nanofabrication.
3Speed
If strong electric field is applied to drive DNA through nanopore, then transport speed increases, but DNA conformation control deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The channel is divided into multiple functional zones with different electrode configurations. One zone can apply strong electric fields for rapid DNA transport, while other zones apply controlled spatially varying fields for conformational manipulation. This segmentation allows simultaneous optimization of transport speed and conformation control in different channel regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between transport mode and manipulation mode by reconfiguring electrode voltages in real-time. During transport phases, strong fields drive DNA rapidly through the channel; during sensing phases, fields are reconfigured to confine and orient DNA for base detection. This dynamic reconfiguration resolves the contradiction between speed and control.
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 effectively confines and aligns DNA within the channel, enabling improved sensing of DNA bases and facilitating affordable and rapid genome sequencing by ensuring precise control over DNA transport and alignment.
Implementation Method 1
application of the electric potential to the first set of electrodes produces a spatially varying electric field that confines a charged molecule within a predetermined area of the channel
Implementation Method 2
a spatially varying electric field that confines a charged molecule
Implementation Method 3
A first electric field is applied in a direction of a flow axis of a channel in the nano-fluidic field effective device to drive the charged molecule therethrough
Implementation Method 4
A first electric field is applied in a direction of a flow axis of a channel to drive the charged molecule therethrough
Implementation Method 5
The electrodes of the second set of electrodes are disposed such that application of the electric potential to the second set of electrodes relative to the electric potential applied to the first set of electrodes creates an electric field that confines the charged molecule to an area away from the second side of the channel
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a nano-fluidic field effective device. The device includes a channel having a first side and a second side, a first set of electrodes adjacent to the first side, a second set of electrodes adjacent to the second side, a control unit for applying electric potentials to the electrodes and a fluid within the channel containing a charge molecule. The first set of electrodes is disposed such that application of electric potentials produces a spatially varying electric field that confines a charged molecule within a predetermined area of said channel. The second set of electrodes is disposed such that application of electric potentials relative to the electric potentials applied to the first set of electrodes creates an electric field that confines the charged molecule to an area away from the second side of the channel.