Nanopore DNA Sensor Electrode Lifespan via 3D Patterned Silver

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Solution Overview

Problem

Nanopore-based DNA sensing devices face a limited lifespan due to electrode wearout from chemical changes, affecting their sensitivity and effectiveness in DNA sequencing.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the formation of electrodes with a silver layer, patterned using a mold and exposed to an electrolyte, which increases the surface area of the electrode without increasing its footprint, thereby enhancing the device's lifespan by reducing ion absorption and maintaining sensitivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of stationary object

If the electrode surface area is increased to reduce ion absorption and maintain sensitivity, then the device lifespan is improved, but the device footprint increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice lifespanVSAvoiddevice footprint

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The electrode surface is transformed from a flat two-dimensional structure to a three-dimensional patterned structure with raised features. This dimensional transition allows the electrode to achieve increased effective surface area within the same planar footprint, thereby reducing ion absorption without enlarging the device footprint while extending device lifespan

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The electrode incorporates a patterned surface structure with raised features that create increased surface area through geometric complexity. This patterned structure functions similarly to porous materials by providing extended surface area within a compact form factor, enabling reduced ion absorption while maintaining the original device footprint

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

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 method extends the lifespan of nanopore DNA sensing devices by maintaining electrode sensitivity through increased surface area without enlarging the device's size, thus improving the durability and performance of DNA sequencing.

Implementation Method 1

exposing the Ag layer to an electrolyte

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSurface area expansion through electrolyte exposure:

Data Source

PatentUS10538853B2Method and apparatus for increasing a lifespan of nanopore-based DNA sensing devices

Publication Date: 2020.01.21 QUALCOMM INC

AI summary

Techniques for increasing the lifespan of a nanopore DNA sensing device are disclosed. A related DNA sensing device may be formed by a process comprising forming a first electrode, forming a second electrode, disposing the first electrode and second electrode within an insulator, and disposing a lipid bilayer having a nanopore between the first electrode and second electrode. The forming of the second electrode may comprise forming a silver (Ag) layer, pressing a mold into the Ag layer to form a pattern in the Ag layer, removing the mold from the Ag layer, and exposing the Ag layer to an electrolyte.