Nanoscale Manifold Force Gradient Control for Molecular Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current nanofluidic devices lack efficient designs for active control over the capture, manipulation, and transport of analyte molecules across nanoscale regions, particularly in lab-on-a-chip devices, due to limitations in force gradient control and potential for molecular fragmentation.
Innovation Solution
The development of fluidic devices with nanoscale manifolds, comprising arrays or networks of nanochannels and nanoelectrodes, that are interfaced to a common voltage and/or pressure source, allowing for precise control of force gradients along primary nanochannels, minimizing fragmentation and enabling spatio-temporal control of molecule transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional nanofluidic devices are used for molecular transport, then device simplicity is maintained, but force gradient control precision deteriorates leading to molecular fragmentation
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the nanofluidic channel into multiple segments with independently controlled nanoelectrodes positioned at specific locations. Each nanoelectrode can apply localized electric fields to create precise force gradients along the channel, enabling controlled molecular transport without fragmenting the molecules. This segmentation allows independent control of force gradients in different regions while maintaining overall device functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements local quality by providing different nanoelectrode configurations and control parameters for different regions of the nanofluidic channel. Each segment can have tailored electric field strengths and directions optimized for specific molecular manipulation tasks, such as capture, transport, or separation, thereby achieving precise force gradient control adapted to local requirements.
2Measurement precision
If force gradients are increased to improve molecular transport control, then transport precision improves, but molecular fragmentation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs dynamic control of force gradients through time-varying electric fields applied by the nanoelectrodes. The force gradient magnitude and direction can be dynamically adjusted during molecular transport, allowing the system to apply stronger forces when needed (e.g., for capture or direction changes) and reduce forces during steady transport to prevent fragmentation. This dynamic adaptation enables precise transport control while minimizing harmful effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention incorporates feedback mechanisms where molecular position and transport status are monitored, and force gradient parameters are adjusted accordingly. Detection signals from the nanofluidic channel provide real-time information about molecular location and state, allowing the control system to optimize force gradient application and prevent conditions that would lead to molecular fragmentation while maintaining precise transport control.
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 enables precise control over the transport of molecules across a wide range of sizes, from small molecules to macromolecules, by establishing designed force gradients with reduced fragmentation, facilitating advanced analysis and manipulation within nanofluidic systems.
Implementation Method 1
At least a plurality of the nanoscale elements of the nanoscale manifold are configured to be concurrently controlled by a common externally applied pressure and/or voltage to generate a force gradient within the at least one transport nanochannel
Implementation Method 2
At least a plurality of the nanoscale elements of the nanoscale manifold are configured to be concurrently controlled by a common externally applied pressure and/or voltage to generate a force gradient within the at least one transport nanochannel
Implementation Method 3
These differences include, for example, double-layer overlap (DLO) and its effect on electro-osmosis and charge permselectivity
Implementation Method 4
double-layer overlap (DLO) and its effect on electro-osmosis and charge permselectivity
Implementation Method 5
localized enhancement of electric fields
Data Source
AI summary
Fluidic devices with a primary transport nanochannel(s) intersected by at least one nanoscale manifold for active control of capture, manipulation and transport of analyte molecules. The at least one manifold can be an array or network of nanochannels, nanoslits or nanoelectrodes joined to a common voltage or pressure source. A respective nanoscale manifold can be configured to allow for precise and active control of driving forces applied to the primary transport nanochannel(s) to drive molecular transport through the various regions along the transport nanochannel(s). The at least one manifold can generate monotonic force gradients with a limited or reduced number of independent input potentials and/or pressures applied to the device.