Nanopore Magnetic Speed Control for SNR and Nucleotide Resolution

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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 compromise the ability to resolve individual nucleotides, and existing methods to control speed either reduce SNR or throughput.

Innovation Solution

A system utilizing a magnetic field gradient in a paramagnetic solution or with paramagnetic molecules to control translocation speed through a nanopore, independent of voltage, by creating resistance or rotational torque to slow down the molecules.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If voltage is increased to improve signal-to-noise ratio, then SNR is improved, but translocation speed increases causing reduced resolution

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal-to-noise ratioVSAvoidnucleotide resolution

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces magnetic field gradient as an intermediary mechanism to control translocation speed independently of voltage. The magnetic field gradient acts as a mediator that slows down the biomolecule without affecting the electrical signal strength, thereby resolving the contradiction between SNR and resolution by decoupling these two parameters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical parameter used for speed control from electrical voltage to magnetic field gradient. By applying a magnetic field gradient perpendicular to the translocation direction, the system can adjust translocation speed without changing the voltage applied across the nanopore, thus maintaining both high SNR and high resolution simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If voltage is decreased to reduce translocation speed, then resolution is improved, but signal-to-noise ratio decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenucleotide resolutionVSAvoidsignal-to-noise ratio

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic field gradient serves as an intermediary that independently controls translocation speed without affecting the electrical measurement parameters. This allows resolution to be improved through speed reduction while SNR is maintained through unchanged voltage application.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes from using voltage as the sole control parameter to using magnetic field gradient as the primary speed control parameter. This parameter change enables independent optimization of both resolution (through speed control) and SNR (through voltage control).

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Manufacturing precision

If magnetic field gradient is applied to control translocation speed, then resolution is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenucleotide resolutionVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the conventional electrical control mechanism with a magnetic field-based control mechanism. This substitution allows for precise control of translocation speed through magnetic field gradient while maintaining the existing electrical detection system, thereby managing complexity by keeping the detection pathway unchanged.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 system allows for controlled translocation speeds without compromising SNR, enabling stable detection of individual nucleotides with improved resolution.

Implementation Method 1

at least one magnetic component configured to create a magnetic field gradient within the fluid chamber to control the translocation speed of the molecule through the nanopore

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field gradient: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

A system utilizing a magnetic field gradient in a paramagnetic solution or with paramagnetic molecules to control translocation speed through a nanopore

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectParamagnetism: Magnetism

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

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrophoresis: Electrophoresis

Data Source

PatentUS12461064B2Magnetic control of molecule translocation speed through a nanopore

Publication Date: 2025.11.04 WESTERN DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES INC

AI summary

A system for controlling a translocation speed of a molecule through a nanopore may include a fluid chamber containing a solution with a magnetic susceptibility that is different from the magnetic susceptibility of the molecule, a nanopore situated in the fluid chamber, and at least one magnetic component configured to create a magnetic field gradient within the solution to control the translocation speed of a molecule through the nanopore. A system for controlling a translocation speed of a molecule through a nanopore may include a nanopore at least one magnetic component situated to create a magnetic field that causes the molecule to experience a rotational torque as it passes through the nanopore.