Nanopore Sensor Circuit With Shared ADCs for Parallel DNA Sequencing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing biochips for nucleotide sequencing are not robust, efficient, and cost-effective due to limitations in nanopore-based sequencing technologies.
Innovation Solution
A nanopore array with autonomously operating sensor cells and a scalable architecture, utilizing a common electrode, capacitors, transistors, and analog-to-digital converters to measure conductance differences for parallel sequencing of single-stranded DNA molecules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If nanopore-based sequencing is used, then nucleotide sequencing capability is achieved, but robustness and efficiency are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into multiple independently operable sensor cells arranged in an array, where each cell contains a nanopore and can perform sequencing operations autonomously. This segmentation allows parallel processing of multiple DNA molecules simultaneously, improving both robustness through redundancy and efficiency through parallelization.
Solution Approach 2:
A common electrode structure serves all sensor cells in the array, providing a shared reference potential and enabling uniform control across multiple measurement cells. This universal electrode design simplifies the overall system architecture while maintaining the ability to perform sequencing operations across all cells simultaneously.
2Productivity
If multiple sensor cells are used for parallel sequencing, then throughput is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sensor cells share common electrodes and control circuitry, merging resources across cells to reduce overall device complexity. The common electrode structure and shared analog-to-digital converters allow parallel sequencing operations while minimizing the number of independent components required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from single-cell to multi-cell array architecture, adding spatial dimensionality to the sequencing device. By arranging sensor cells in a two-dimensional array with shared resources, the system achieves higher throughput without linearly increasing complexity.
3Measurement precision
If precise control over physical states is achieved, then measurement precision is improved, but circuit complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each sensor cell incorporates an integrated circuit that autonomously controls the physical states and measurement processes within that cell. The cell electrode applies distinct potentials, capacitors integrate current signals, and analog-to-digital converters process outputs independently, allowing precise control without requiring complex external circuitry.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex external control mechanisms with integrated electronic circuits within each sensor cell. Transistors, capacitors, and analog-to-digital converters are embedded in each cell to provide precise control over potentials and measurements, substituting mechanical or external control systems with compact electronic solutions.
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
Enables efficient, high-throughput nucleotide sequencing by synthesizing techniques, achieving precise control over physical states and reducing circuit complexity while maintaining high signal-to-noise ratio and dynamic range.
Implementation Method 1
measuring conductance differences for parallel sequencing of single-stranded DNA molecules
Data Source
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AI summary
A device for controlling, detecting, and measuring a molecular complex is disclosed. The device comprises a common electrode. The device further comprises a plurality of measurement cells. Each measurement cell includes a cell electrode and an integrator electronically coupled to the cell electrode. The integrator measures the current flowing between the common electrode and the cell electrode. The device further comprises a plurality of analog-to-digital converters, wherein an integrator from the plurality of measurement cells is electrically coupled to one analog-to-digital converter of the plurality of analog-to-digital converters.