Nanoscale Channel Device for Single Molecule Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional chromatography methods fail to achieve 100% separation of molecules due to stochastic processes and difficulties in distinguishing similar-sized molecules, leading to incomplete separation.
Innovation Solution
A channel device with nanometer-sized channels and electrode pairs that apply AC voltage to electrically stimulate molecules, allowing for precise identification and separation based on electrical properties and dynamic behavior, using branching channels to guide molecules to specific outlets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional chromatography with porous particles is used for separation, then separation of molecules based on size is achieved, but 100% separation cannot be achieved due to stochastic processes and Brownian motion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical size-based filtration system (porous particles) with an electrical field-based separation system. Molecules are separated by applying AC voltage to electrodes, causing dielectrophoretic forces that sort molecules according to their electrical properties rather than relying on stochastic mechanical processes through porous media.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the separation parameter from physical size (mechanical filtration) to electrical properties (dielectrophoresis). By controlling AC voltage frequency and amplitude, molecules can be separated based on their electrical characteristics, enabling more precise and complete separation than size-based methods alone.
2Manufacturing precision
If porous separation carriers are used, then molecules of different sizes can be separated, but similar-sized molecules cannot be distinguished
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes electrical field interaction for mechanical size-based filtration. By measuring dielectrophoretic responses to AC voltage, the system can identify and separate molecules based on their electrical properties, which are unique to each molecule type regardless of size similarity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an AC voltage field as an intermediary between the separation carrier and molecules. This electrical field mediates the separation process by interacting with the electrical properties of molecules, providing a new dimension for differentiation that is independent of physical size.
3Productivity
If only size-based separation is used, then several types of molecules can be separated, but exhaustive separation of all molecule types is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a multi-functional separation system that combines size-based filtration with electrical field-based separation. This universal approach can handle diverse molecule types by switching between or combining different separation mechanisms, achieving exhaustive separation that neither method could accomplish alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds an electrical field dimension to the traditional size-based separation. By introducing AC voltage application, molecules can be separated along electrical property gradients in addition to size-based spatial gradients, creating a two-dimensional separation space that enables comprehensive separation of all molecule types.
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 accurate identification and separation of molecules with 100% purity, even from small samples, by leveraging electrical properties and dynamic responses to AC stimulation, effectively addressing the limitations of conventional chromatography.
Implementation Method 1
at least one electrode pair arranged in or/and near the nanometer size channel; an AC power source that applies an AC voltage to the electrodes
Implementation Method 2
The present inventors have focused on the electrical nature of the molecules. The electrical nature includes that of molecules exhibited when the molecules are electrically stimulated or during the electric stimulation.
Implementation Method 3
a nanometer size channel and the biomolecule are combined together such that a 'sample containing molecules of a nanometer size' is allowed to flow through a nanometer size channel, then each of the molecules can flow through the nanometer size channel
Implementation Method 4
the molecules undergo Brownian motion and accidentally flow into and out of the pores in the separation carriers (this accidentalness relates to the stochastic process)
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C~1D
Figure 1E
AI summary
A channel device including a nanosize channel through which single molecule flows, at least one electrode pair arranged near the nanosize channel, and an AC power source that applies an AC voltage to the electrodes. This channel device is useful for identifying molecules one by one. Furthermore, a channel device including a nanosize channel through which single molecule flows, a branching portion, and a plurality of branching channels, wherein (i) an electrode pair is arranged near the nanosize channel so as to sandwich the nanosize channel between the electrodes, or (ii) one electrode of the electrode pair is located near the nanosize channel, whereas the other is arranged near the branching channels. This channel device is useful for separating single molecule. The present channel device achieves identification or separation at an accuracy of 100% in principle. A sample treatment apparatus according to present invention includes a channel device, a measurement section, and an arithmetic processing section. The measurement section applies a voltage (DC or AC) to between electrodes of an electrode pair installed in the nanosize channel, and measures an electric signal when single molecule passes between the electrodes to identify the molecule (see Figure 1B).