Nanospore Sensor for CNT-Protein Binding Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods lack an efficient screening mechanism to detect the binding capability of carbon nanotubes to protein molecules, which is crucial for assessing nanotoxicity and potential applications in drug development, as existing technologies cannot effectively measure the interaction strength between carbon nanotubes and proteins.

Innovation Solution

A nanopore sensor system that utilizes a membrane with openings filled with an electrolytic solution and an electric field generator to drive charged carbon nanotubes through, allowing the detection of current changes and critical voltage values to infer interaction strength between carbon nanotubes and proteins, enabling the measurement of binding affinity and toxicity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a carbon nanotube binds to a protein molecule, then the interaction strength increases, but the ability to detect this binding capability is lost due to lack of efficient screening method

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection of binding capabilityVSAvoidmeasurement of interaction strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of a nanopore sensor, electrolytic solution, and electric field generator that mediates the detection of CNT-protein interactions. The nanopore acts as a mediator that transduces the binding event into a measurable electrical signal through ion current changes, enabling indirect but precise measurement of interaction strength

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical or physical screening methods with an electrical detection system. By using electric fields to drive charged CNTs through nanopores and measuring resulting current changes, the system substitutes mechanical separation or visualization methods with electrical signal transduction for detecting molecular interactions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If carbon nanotubes are used to competitively interact with virus proteins, then the beneficial protective effect increases, but the ability to screen and assess this capability is unavailable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotective effect against virusVSAvoidscreening efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The nanopore sensor system enables self-service screening by automatically detecting CNT-protein binding events without requiring manual intervention. The system autonomously drives charged CNTs through nanopores using electric fields and automatically records current changes, providing high-throughput assessment of protective capabilities against viral proteins

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a controlled inert environment within the nanopore using electrolytic solutions and electric fields, isolating the CNT-protein interaction from external interference. This controlled environment ensures reliable detection of binding events while maintaining the natural interaction properties of the molecules

Inventive Principle:

Principle #39Inert atmosphere (Inert environment)

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 system provides a high-throughput and ultra-sensitive method for detecting the interaction strength between carbon nanotubes and proteins, facilitating the assessment of nanotoxicity and potential applications in drug development by measuring critical voltage values, thereby overcoming the limitations of existing technologies.

Implementation Method 1

An electric field generator is configured to generate an electric field relative to the opening to drive the charged carbon nanotubes through the opening

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectric field: Electric Field

Implementation Method 2

generate an electric field relative to the opening to drive the charged carbon nanotubes through the opening

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrophoresis: Electrophoresis

Implementation Method 3

The opening is filled with an electrolytic solution. A sensor circuit is coupled to the electric field generator to sense current changes due to charged carbon nanotubes passing into the opening

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 4

a membrane having an opening configured to permit a charged carbon nanotube to pass but to block a molecule attached to the carbon nanotube

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSize exclusion: Filter (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS10281428B2Nanospore sensor for detecting molecular interactions

Publication Date: 2019.05.07 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINE CORPORATION

AI summary

A nanosensor for detecting molecule characteristics includes a membrane having an opening configured to permit a charged carbon nanotube to pass but to block a molecule attached to the carbon nanotube. The opening is filled with an electrolytic solution. An electric field generator is configured to generate an electric field relative to the opening to drive the charged carbon nanotubes through the opening. A sensor circuit is coupled to the electric field generator to sense current changes due to charged carbon nanotubes passing into the opening, and to bias the electric field generator to determine a critical voltage related to a force of separation between the carbon nanotube and the molecule.