Solid-State Nanopore Temporal Resolution via Membrane Thickness

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current nanopore devices face challenges in achieving sufficient temporal resolution to distinguish between DNA bases as they pass through the pore, limiting their effectiveness in DNA sequencing and other molecular studies.

Innovation Solution

The development of solid-state nanopore devices with membranes of specific thickness and pore dimensions, combined with controlled voltage application and temperature management, enables precise translocation and monitoring of molecules, enhancing temporal resolution and signal sensitivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional nanopore devices are used, then molecular detection is possible, but temporal resolution is insufficient to distinguish DNA bases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemporal resolutionVSAvoidnanopore device structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the membrane thickness to a specific range (5-20 nm) and pore diameter (0.5-5 nm) to enhance temporal resolution. By adjusting these physical parameters, the device achieves sufficient temporal resolution to distinguish DNA bases while maintaining structural feasibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from conventional thicker membranes to ultra-thin membrane structures, effectively utilizing the thickness dimension to improve temporal resolution. This dimensional optimization allows molecules to pass through more quickly, enabling base-level differentiation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Measurement precision

If membrane thickness is reduced to improve temporal resolution, then signal-to-noise ratio improves, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal-to-noise ratioVSAvoidmembrane thickness control

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent specifies a membrane thickness range of 5-20 nm to optimize the balance between signal-to-noise ratio and manufacturing feasibility. This parameter optimization ensures sufficient thinness for high temporal resolution while maintaining manufacturability with current technologies.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs partial thinning of the membrane rather than complete ultra-thin fabrication, making the manufacturing process more achievable while still achieving the necessary thickness reduction to improve signal-to-noise ratio and temporal resolution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Productivity

If voltage is increased to speed up translocation, then productivity increases, but measurement precision decreases due to reduced temporal resolution

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetranslocation speedVSAvoidbase differentiation accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the voltage range to 0.1-2 V to achieve an optimal balance between translocation speed and measurement precision. This voltage optimization ensures sufficient productivity while maintaining the temporal resolution needed for accurate base differentiation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 the differentiation of DNA bases with improved temporal resolution and signal-to-noise ratios, effectively addressing the limitations of existing nanopore technologies in molecular analysis.

Implementation Method 1

applying a voltage in the range of from about 0.1 V to about 2 V across the pore, the voltage being applied so as to effect translocation of a molecule through the pore

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrophoresis: Electrophoresis