Nanopore FET Sensor Non-Linear Potential Profile
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current nanopore field-effect transistor sensors face challenges in achieving sufficient sensitivity and spatial resolution for single molecule detection, particularly in DNA sequencing, and struggle with scalability and robustness due to limitations in current intensity, spatial resolution, and sensitivity.
Innovation Solution
A nanopore field-effect transistor sensor design featuring a non-linear potential profile between the first and second orifice, achieved through asymmetric nanopore architecture with differing orifice areas, chemical nature, and dielectric materials, allowing for increased sensitivity and spatial resolution, and enabling parallelization and high throughput.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a solid-state nanopore is used for single molecule detection, then single molecule sensitivity is achieved, but current intensity and spatial resolution are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an asymmetric nanopore geometry where the pore diameter varies along its length, creating a non-linear potential profile. This asymmetry concentrates the electric field in specific regions, thereby enhancing both the sensitivity for detecting single molecules and the spatial resolution for locating them along the pore axis.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces regions with different dielectric materials along the nanopore channel, creating localized variations in electric field distribution. This local quality enhancement allows for improved spatial resolution in specific zones while maintaining overall single molecule detection capability.
2Manufacturing precision
If bio-nanopores are used, then well-defined shape and size are achieved, but current signals are weak and robustness is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses solid-state materials to create nanopores that replicate the functional advantages of bio-nanopores (well-defined geometry and controllable charge distribution) while eliminating their weaknesses (fragility and weak signals). The solid-state structure provides mechanical robustness and generates stronger electrical signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs composite structures combining different dielectric materials within the solid-state nanopore. This allows optimization of both geometric precision and electrical signal strength, achieving robustness without sacrificing the well-defined shape characteristics.
3Measurement precision
If conventional nanopore sensors are used, then single molecule detection is possible, but scalability and throughput are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The asymmetric nanopore design creates distinct sensing zones along the pore length, effectively segmenting the detection process. This segmentation enables multiple detection events to be processed simultaneously or in rapid succession, improving throughput while maintaining single molecule detection precision.
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 design enhances sensitivity and spatial resolution, facilitating the detection of single nucleotides and enabling fast sampling rates with reduced impact of nanopore malfunctions, while being compatible with CMOS technology and cost-effective for large-scale manufacturing.
Implementation Method 1
the blockade effect caused by DNA translocations can thus directly change the distribution of the local fluidic potentials inside the pore and sequentially modulate and amplify the transistor current of a FET near the pore; comparable to gating in a traditional FET
Implementation Method 2
A first sequencing strategy by means of a nanopore is based on electrophoresis driven DNA translocation through the nanopore
Data Source
AI summary
In a first aspect, the present invention relates to a nanopore field-effect transistor sensor (100), comprising: i) a source region (310) and a drain region (320), defining a source-drain axis; ii) a channel region (330) between the source region (310) and the drain region (320); iii) a nanopore (400), defined as an opening in the channel region (330) which completely crosses through the channel region (330), oriented at an angle to the source-drain axis, having a first orifice (410) and a second orifice (420), and being adapted for creating a non-linear potential profile between the first (410) and second (420) orifice.