Nanopore Lipid Bilayer Sequencing Speed
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current nucleic acid sequencing and molecular detection methods are expensive and do not provide sequence information within a time period and at an accuracy necessary for effective diagnosis and treatment.
Innovation Solution
The use of nanopores in a lipid bilayer membrane to sequence nucleic acid molecules and detect molecules, where the polymer is passed through the nanopore and subunits affect the current flowing through, allowing for identification by measuring current at various voltages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional nucleic acid sequencing methods are used, then sequencing can be performed, but the cost is high and the time required is excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical/chemical sequencing methods with an electrical measurement system. Nucleic acid bases are identified by detecting their electrical current signatures as they pass through a nanopore, substituting complex mechanical sequencing mechanisms with direct electrical signal analysis to achieve faster sequencing speeds
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from traditional optical or chemical signals to electrical current measurements. By applying voltage across a nanopore and measuring the resulting current changes caused by base interactions, the system achieves rapid sequencing without the time constraints of conventional methods
2Measurement precision
If conventional molecular detection methods are used, then molecules can be detected, but the cost is high and accuracy is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a simplified model system using synthetic nanopore structures and controlled lipid bilayer environments that replicate the essential detection function of complex biological systems. This copying approach enables cost-effective manufacturing while maintaining detection accuracy through controlled variables and standardized measurement protocols
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and isolates the critical detection function from complex molecular detection systems. By using minimalistic nanopore structures with simple electrical measurement, the system achieves cost-effective manufacturing while maintaining precision through focused measurement of electrical current changes caused by specific molecular interactions
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 method provides an improved, cost-effective means of nucleic acid molecule identification, sequencing, and molecular detection, offering the potential for rapid and accurate diagnostics.
Implementation Method 1
various subunits of the polymer (e.g., adenine (A), cytosine (C), guanine (G), thymine (T) and/or uracil (U) bases of the nucleic acid) may affect the current flowing through the nanopore
Implementation Method 2
directing a buffer solution in flow channel comprising an electrode having a material layer thereon, wherein the buffer solution is electrically conductive, and wherein the material layer comprises one or more constituents of the membrane (e.g., lipids)
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides biochips and methods for making biochips. A biochip can comprise a nanopore in a membrane (e.g., lipid bilayer) adjacent or in proximity to an electrode. Methods are described for forming the membrane and insert-ing the nanopore into the membrane. The biochips and methods can be used for nucleic acid (e.g., DNA) sequencing. The present disclosure also describes methods for detecting, sorting, and binning molecules (e.g., proteins) using biochips.