Nanopore Fluidic Passage With Transistor Sensing for High Throughput
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing nanopore sensors face challenges with signal amplitude and signal bandwidth limitations, particularly in high-throughput sensing applications, and integration density is limited by the need for electrical isolation of electrodes.
Innovation Solution
A nanopore sensor design that includes a fluidic passage connected to a nanopore with specific resistance ratios and a transistor to sense local electrical potential, enabling high sensitivity and large bandwidth for enhanced sensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If ionic current flow measurement is used for nanopore sensing, then sensing capability is achieved, but signal amplitude and signal bandwidth are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional ionic current measurement approach with a transistor-based electrical potential sensing system. The transistor senses local electrical potential changes at the nanopore, converting the sensing mechanism from direct ionic current measurement to electrical potential detection, thereby achieving higher signal bandwidth and amplitude while maintaining high throughput capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the sensing parameter from ionic current flow to electrical potential. By measuring electrical potential changes at the nanopore using a transistor, the system achieves improved signal characteristics (amplitude and bandwidth) while maintaining the ability to detect analyte translocation at high speeds
2Measurement precision
If an array of nanopores with multiple electrodes is used, then measurement capability is improved, but integration density is limited due to electrical isolation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a single electrode that serves multiple functions: it provides both the sensing function for electrical potential measurement and the reference function for the nanopore array. This multi-functional electrode design eliminates the need for separate reference electrodes for each nanopore, thereby achieving high integration density while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the sensing electrode and reference electrode functions into a single electrode structure. By combining these functions, the system achieves high integration density in nanopore arrays while maintaining the ability to perform electrical potential measurements across multiple nanopores
3Productivity
If translocation speed is increased to improve throughput, then productivity is improved, but measurement of sensing signal becomes problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces ionic current measurement with electrical potential sensing using a transistor. This substitution allows the system to maintain accurate sensing signal measurement even at high translocation speeds, as the electrical potential changes detected by the transistor can keep pace with faster analyte movement through the nanopore
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 design allows for high integration density and throughput of analytes, such as DNA sequencing, with improved sensing signals and increased translocation speeds.
Implementation Method 1
the ionic current flow through a nanopore is modulated by the different nucleotide bases of a DNA strand
Implementation Method 2
At least one transistor is operatively connected electrically to sense electrical potential local to the fluidic passage
Implementation Method 3
The fluidic passage has a fluidic passage fluidic resistance, RFP, of at least about 10% of the nanopore fluidic resistance, RPore
Data Source
AI summary
A nanopore sensor includes a nanopore disposed in a support structure with a nanopore diameter and having a nanopore fluidic resistance, RPore. A fluidic passage, is disposed in fluidic connection between a first fluidic reservoir of ionic concentration solution and the nanopore, and includes a passage length having a fluidic passage width, along at least a portion of a fluidic passage length, that is greater than the diameter of the nanopore and less than the fluidic passage length. The fluidic passage has a fluidic passage fluidic resistance, RFP, of at least about 10% of the nanopore fluidic resistance, RPore, and no more than about 10 times the nanopore fluidic resistance, RPore. The nanopore is disposed in fluidic connection between the fluidic passage and a second fluidic reservoir of ionic concentration solution. At least one transistor is operatively connected electrically to sense electrical potential local to the fluidic passage.