Nanoscale Wire Devices for Single Molecule Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current nanotechnology and sub-microelectronic circuitry lack effective methods for detecting nucleic acids or other analytes at the single molecule level, particularly for determining binding constants and dissociation rates, which is crucial for identifying mismatches and dynamic information.
Innovation Solution
The development of nanoscale wire devices with immobilized binding partners, where a metal-semiconductor compound is used to detect changes in conductivity due to the association and dissociation of nucleic acids, allowing for the determination of binding constants and dissociation rates, and identifying mismatches between nucleic acids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional nanotechnology and sub-microelectronic circuitry are used, then device fabrication is achieved, but detection of nucleic acids at the single molecule level is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the detection system by using nanoscale wires with dimensions in the 1-100 nm range, which provides sufficient surface area to volume ratio for single molecule detection while maintaining electrical conductivity for signal transduction
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite structures combining nanoscale wires with binding partners (such as antibodies or nucleic acids) to create a hybrid system that兼具 electrical detection capability and specific molecular recognition function
2Measurement precision
If nanoscale wire devices with immobilized binding partners are used, then binding constants and dissociation rates can be determined, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the nanoscale wire into distinct functional segments: one region for immobilizing binding partners and another region for electrical contact, allowing independent optimization of each function while simplifying the overall device design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses binding partners as intermediary molecules that specifically recognize target analytes and transduce this recognition into electrical signals through their association/dissociation kinetics, simplifying the detection mechanism
3Measurement precision
If metal-semiconductor compounds are used to detect conductivity changes, then single base mismatches can be detected, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different material properties to different regions of the nanoscale wire: metal-semiconductor compounds are used specifically at contact points for electrical connection, while other regions maintain semiconductor properties for binding partner immobilization and 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
Enables the detection of single base mismatches and dynamic information at the single molecule level with high sensitivity, facilitating the identification of nucleic acid mismatches and kinetic analysis.
Implementation Method 1
a metal-semiconductor compound is used to detect changes in conductivity due to the association and dissociation of nucleic acids
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention generally relates to nanotechnology and sub-microelectronic circuitry, as well as associated methods and devices, for example, nanoscale wire devices and methods for use in determining nucleic acids or other analytes suspected to be present in a sample. For example, a nanoscale wire device can be used in some cases to detect single base mismatches within a nucleic acid. In one aspect, dynamical information such as a binding constant, an association rate, and/or a dissociation rate, can be determined between a nucleic acid or other analyte, and a binding partner immobilized relative to a nanoscale wire. In some cases, the nanoscale wire includes a first portion comprising a metal-semiconductor compound, and a second portion that does not include a metal-semiconductor compound. The binding partner, in some embodiments, is immobilized relative to at least the second portion of the nanoscale wire.