Nanopore Sensing Device With Multiple FET Layers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Nanopore field-effect transistors (FETs) face challenges in determining the speed and length of non-DNA particles, such as proteins, due to their high average speed and lack of control, which complicates signal differentiation and sensitivity in sensing devices.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a nanopore sensing device with multiple sensing layers, including at least one FET sensor, allows for the detection of particle speed and length by translocating the analyte through the nanopore while maintaining high sensitivity, using a system with a microfluidic setup and readout circuitry to enhance signal processing and accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If nanopore FET is used to detect fast-moving particles, then detection bandwidth is increased, but the ability to determine particle speed and length is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing device is divided into multiple sensing layers (first sensing layer, second sensing layer, etc.) positioned at different locations along the nanopore. Each sensing layer independently detects particles, allowing the system to segment the detection process and use multiple measurement points to determine particle speed and length by analyzing the temporal sequence of detections across layers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a spatial dimension by positioning sensing layers at different locations along the nanopore axis. This multi-dimensional arrangement enables the system to measure not only the presence of particles but also their position, speed, and length by analyzing detection patterns across the spatial distribution of sensing layers.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensing layers are added to determine particle speed and length, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each sensing layer is designed to perform multiple functions: detecting particle presence, determining particle speed, and measuring particle length. The sensing layers share common structural features and can be implemented using similar materials and fabrication processes, reducing the overall complexity increase while maintaining enhanced measurement capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensing layers are positioned concentrically or in nested arrangements within the nanopore structure, with each layer contained within or adjacent to the nanopore. This nested configuration allows multiple sensing functions to be integrated within a compact spatial envelope, minimizing the additional complexity introduced by multiple sensing layers.
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
This approach significantly improves the sensitivity and accuracy of nanopore sensing devices, enabling the determination of analyte speed and length with high precision and throughput, and supports a high signal-to-noise ratio, facilitating the analysis of various analytes like polypeptides and proteins.
Implementation Method 1
Nanopore field-effect transistors (nanopore FETs), in which the nanopore runs through or near the channel of the FET, can be configured such that the electrical conditions in the nanopore modulate the conductivity of the channel
Implementation Method 2
a nanopore having a first orifice and second orifice, and a length running from the first to the second orifice
Data Source
AI summary
In a first aspect, a nanopore sensing device is provided that includes: (i) a nanopore having a first orifice and second orifice, and a length running from the first to the second orifice; and (ii) one or more sensors for sensing an electric feature in the nanopore; wherein the nanopore sensing device comprises a plurality of sensing layers arranged along the length, each sensing layer being part of one of the sensors and each adjacent pair of sensing layers being separated by an isolating layer, and at least one of the sensors is a field-effect transistor.