Nanopore Current Measuring Device with Segmented Electrodes
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional nanopore sequencers with multiple nanopores connected by a single pair of electrodes face difficulties in detecting individual ion current changes due to the summation of ion currents from each nanopore, making it challenging to analyze genomic information efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A measuring device with multiple first electrodes and a counter electrode, where a thin membrane with multiple nanopores is used, allowing for individual measurement of ion currents by applying a voltage and using an insulating structure to isolate each electrode, enabling independent measurement of ion currents through each nanopore.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If multiple nanopores are arranged in parallel and connected by a single pair of electrodes, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates because ion current changes from individual nanopores cannot be detected separately
Solution Approach 1:
The single pair of electrodes is segmented into multiple first electrodes (one for each nanopore) and multiple second electrodes (counter electrodes). This segmentation allows each nanopore to have its own dedicated electrode pair, enabling independent measurement of ion current through each nanopore while maintaining the parallel configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
An insulating structure is introduced as an intermediary element to electrically isolate the multiple first electrodes from each other. This insulating structure prevents current leakage between adjacent electrodes while allowing the electrolyte solution to maintain ionic conduction through the nanopores, thus enabling precise measurement of individual ion currents.
2Measurement precision
If multiple first electrodes are provided for individual nanopore measurement, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional electrodes and insulating structures
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode system is segmented into multiple first electrodes and second electrodes corresponding to each nanopore. This segmentation enables independent control and measurement for each nanopore, achieving precise ion current detection while maintaining a systematic and organized structure that is manageable despite the increased number of components.
Solution Approach 2:
The insulating structure is applied locally between adjacent first electrodes rather than throughout the entire device. This localized insulation approach provides the necessary electrical isolation for precise measurement while minimizing the overall complexity and material requirements compared to a complete insulation scheme.
3Productivity
If nanopores are arranged in parallel, then the productivity is improved by enabling simultaneous analysis, but the measurement precision deteriorates because ion currents from individual nanopores are summed together
Solution Approach 1:
The parallel nanopore configuration is maintained for high throughput, but the electrode system is segmented into multiple independent electrode pairs. This allows the system to simultaneously measure ion currents through multiple nanopores while distinguishing and recording the signal from each individual nanopore, thus achieving both high productivity and measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor and identify the unique signal characteristics of each nanopore. By providing feedback information about the state of each nanopore and its corresponding electrodes, the system can distinguish individual ion current changes even in a parallel configuration, enabling both simultaneous measurement and precise detection.
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 configuration allows for precise parallel measurement of ion currents from multiple nanopores, enhancing the analysis throughput and accuracy in genomic analysis.
Implementation Method 1
measuring a current flowing between the first electrodes and the second electrode via the small holes
Implementation Method 2
forming, in the first solution chamber, an insulating structure for insulating the first electrodes in a state in which a conductive liquid is filled between the small holes and the first electrodes
Data Source
AI summary
Conventionally, only a pair of electrodes is provided and nanopores arranged in parallel are connected by an electrolyte solution, and therefore a change in an ion current to be measured is a sum of changes in ion currents generated in the respective nanopores. The invention includes: a first solution chamber including a plurality of first electrodes; a second solution chamber including a second electrode which is a counter electrode of the first electrodes; a membrane provided between the first solution chamber and the second solution chamber, the membrane having a plurality of small holes; a measuring unit for applying a voltage between the first electrodes and the second electrode and measuring a current flowing between the first electrodes and the second electrode via the small holes; and an insulating structure forming unit for forming, in the first solution chamber, an insulating structure for insulating the first electrodes in a state in which a conductive liquid is filled between the small holes and the first electrodes and achieves parallel measurement of ion currents by using nanopores.