Field-Responsive Fluid Viscosity Control for Nanopore Molecule Speed
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing nanopore technologies face a trade-off between signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and resolution due to high translocation speeds of biomolecules, which limits the ability to resolve individual nucleotides, necessitating a need for apparatuses and techniques to control and reduce molecule translocation speeds.
Innovation Solution
The use of field-responsive fluids, such as electrorheological (ER), magnetorheological (MR), or ferrofluids, within a fluid region controlled by a field generator to adjust viscosity in response to applied electric or magnetic fields, thereby controlling the translocation speed of molecules through nanopores.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If high voltage is applied to drive biomolecules through nanopore, then signal-to-noise ratio is improved, but translocation speed increases causing reduced resolution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a dynamic viscosity control mechanism using field-responsive fluid that can rapidly change its viscosity in response to applied fields. The system switches between high viscosity state (to slow translocation and improve resolution) and low viscosity state (to allow rapid translocation), enabling the system to adapt to different measurement requirements in real-time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of the fluid medium by using field-responsive fluid whose viscosity can be dynamically adjusted through applied electric or magnetic fields. This allows the translocation speed of biomolecules to be controlled by modifying the fluid's viscosity parameter, thereby resolving the contradiction between signal-to-noise ratio and nucleotide resolution
2Productivity
If high translocation speed is achieved, then productivity is improved, but dwell time per nucleotide decreases reducing detection capability
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts fluid viscosity to control translocation speed. During detection phases, high viscosity is applied to increase dwell time per nucleotide for accurate detection. During loading or non-detection phases, low viscosity allows rapid translocation to maintain productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic switching of the field-responsive fluid's viscosity state, alternating between high viscosity (for slow, resolved translocation and detection) and low viscosity (for rapid translocation). This periodic action allows the system to achieve both high productivity and adequate dwell time by cycling between different operational modes
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 allows for precise control of molecule translocation speeds, enhancing resolution by adjusting viscosity rapidly and effectively, thus improving the signal-to-noise ratio and enabling single-nucleotide detection in biomolecules.
Implementation Method 1
field-responsive fluids, such as electrorheological (ER), magnetorheological (MR), or ferrofluids
Implementation Method 2
field-responsive fluids, such as electrorheological (ER), magnetorheological (MR), or ferrofluids
Implementation Method 3
A target biomolecule, such as a nucleic acid strand, in an electrolyte solution can be driven through a nanopore (biological or solid-state), primarily by electrophoresis
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are devices, systems, and methods for controlling the movement of at least one molecule in a first fluid having a first viscosity. The system includes a fluid region defined by at least one fluid-retaining surface, a field-responsive fluid situated in the fluid region, and a field generator for generating a magnetic or electric field across the fluid region. The fluid region is traversable by the at least one molecule. In response to a magnitude of the magnetic or electric field across the fluid region exceeding a threshold magnitude, a viscosity of the field-responsive fluid is greater than the first viscosity.