Nucleic Acid Sequencer Using Atomically Thin Membrane Capacitance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current nucleic acid sequencing technologies face challenges in achieving fast and accurate determination of single-stranded nucleic acid sequences, particularly in efficiently detecting nitrogenous bases using capacitive displacement methods.
Innovation Solution
The development of a nucleic acid sequencer utilizing an atomically thin membrane in a capacitive configuration with a solid electrode, where a complementary base covalently disposed on the membrane forms base pairs with nitrogenous bases, causing the membrane to flex and change capacitance, allowing for ultra-fast and accurate sequence determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional sequencing methods are used, then sequencing can be performed with established technologies, but the speed and accuracy of determining single-stranded nucleic acid sequences is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical/optical sequencing methods with an electrical field-based detection system. A solid electrode generates an electrical field that interacts with the atomically thin membrane, causing it to flex in response to base pairing forces. This electrical field interaction enables simultaneous high-speed and high-precision detection of nitrogenous bases, resolving the contradiction between sequencing speed and accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from conventional optical or mechanical measurements to electrical field-induced membrane flexing. By measuring the capacitance changes or current variations in the electrical field as the membrane flexes during base pairing, the system achieves both ultra-fast response times and high measurement precision, enabling millions of bases to be sequenced per second with increased accuracy.
2Productivity
If atomically thin membrane is used in capacitive configuration, then ultra-fast and accurate sequence determination is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an atomically thin membrane as a flexible sensing element that can be integrated into a capacitive configuration with a solid electrode. This thin film structure enables ultra-fast response to base pairing events while maintaining a relatively simple overall device architecture. The membrane's flexibility allows it to respond dynamically to molecular interactions, achieving high throughput sequencing without excessive device complexity.
3Measurement precision
If complementary base forms base pairs with nitrogenous base causing membrane to flex, then accurate base detection is achieved, but the force required may affect membrane stability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a preliminary electrical field to the atomically thin membrane before base pairing occurs. This pre-applied electrical field stabilizes the membrane structure and prepares it for the mechanical stress of base pairing. By establishing the electrical field in advance, the membrane is primed to respond to base pairing forces without compromising its structural integrity, enabling accurate base detection while maintaining membrane stability throughout the sequencing process.
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 high-throughput, cost-effective sequencing of millions of bases per second with increased accuracy and scalability, leveraging the flexibility and conductivity of materials like graphene and molybdenum disulfide to detect base pairs and produce distinct electrical signals for sequence identification.
Implementation Method 1
arranged in a capacitive configuration with the atomically thin membrane... such that an amount of the electric current changes in response to a change in the selected distance between the atomically thin membrane and the solid electrode
Implementation Method 2
complementary base covalently disposed on the atomically thin membrane and arranged to base pair with a nitrogenous base of the single stranded nucleic acid
Data Source
AI summary
A nucleic acid sequencer includes: an atomically thin membrane; a solid electrode spaced apart from the atomically thin membrane and arranged in a capacitive configuration with the atomically thin membrane; a spacer member; a complementary base covalently disposed on the atomically thin membrane and arranged to base pair with a nitrogenous base of the single stranded nucleic acid; a power source in electrical communication with the solid electrode and that provides electrical power to the solid electrode; and a resistor in electrical communication with the power source and that receives electric current from the power source and that also is in electrical communication with the atomically thin membrane such that an amount of the electric current changes in response to a change in the selected distance between the atomically thin membrane and the solid electrode.