Nanopore Capture System With Selective Molecule Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current nanopore systems lack the ability to selectively control and manipulate the passage of specific molecules through nanopores while ignoring others, and there is a need for efficient detection and processing of these molecules.
Innovation Solution
A nanopore regulation system that includes a material with a capture mechanism and a controller, utilizing electrodes to regulate the material's position and detect specific molecules through voltage and ionic current changes, allowing for controlled passage and processing of targeted molecules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a nanopore system is designed to allow free passage of molecules, then the system is simple and high throughput, but it cannot selectively control or detect specific molecules
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a capture mechanism as an intermediary element that selectively binds to target molecules while allowing others to pass through. This mediator enables selective detection and control without requiring complex manipulation of the nanopore structure itself, resolving the contradiction between selection capability and system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in electrical parameters (voltage, ionic current) to detect and control molecule passage. By monitoring these parameter changes, the system achieves precise molecule detection without physically complex structures, maintaining simplicity while improving measurement precision.
2Productivity
If electrodes are added to regulate material position and detect molecules, then molecule detection and control capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrodes serve multiple functions simultaneously: they regulate material position, detect molecule passage through voltage changes, and control ionic current. This multi-functionality increases productivity without proportionally increasing complexity, as a single component performs multiple roles.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses electrical feedback from voltage and ionic current measurements to control and detect molecule passage. This feedback mechanism enables efficient automated processing while keeping the electrode system relatively simple, as the control is based on electrical signals rather than complex mechanical or optical systems.
3Measurement precision
If the nanopore opening is sized to limit passage of specific molecules, then selectivity is improved, but the ability to process and detect molecules is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the molecule processing function into two separate components: the nanopore opening provides structural selectivity by limiting passage to specific molecules, while the capture mechanism and electrodes provide detection and control capabilities. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The capture mechanism acts as an intermediary between the nanopore opening and the detection system. It selectively binds to target molecules that have passed through the nanopore, enabling both selectivity from the nanopore structure and effective detection/control from the capture mechanism, resolving the contradiction between structural selectivity and processing capability.
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 precise control and detection of specific molecules, allowing for their manipulation and processing within the nanopore system, enhancing the ability to selectively pass or destroy targeted molecules while avoiding others.
Implementation Method 1
the second electrode may interact with the first electrode to produce an electric field that regulates and monitors the passage of the particular molecule through the nanopore opening
Implementation Method 2
The controller may detect the particular molecule based upon voltage changes in control electrodes and/or ionic current changes
Data Source
AI summary
A nanopore capture system may include a material configured to pass through a nanopore device in a controlled manner based upon its interaction with the nanopore device. The system may also include a capture mechanism connected to one end of the material. The capture mechanism may be configured to catch a particular type of molecule while ignoring other types of molecules. The system may also include a controller to manipulate and/or detect the particular type of molecule.