Optothermal Nanoscale Heating via Laser Irradiation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for controlling temperature in nanopore-based experiments are slow and non-selective, affecting molecular transport kinetics and stability, as they apply uniform temperature changes to all molecules in the bath, rather than targeting specific nanoscale environments.
Innovation Solution
A device and method utilizing laser irradiation of a solid-state material, such as silicon nitride, to achieve rapid and selective heating of nanoscale environments through non-radiative energy transfer, allowing for instantaneous temperature control within microseconds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a heating/cooling chamber is used to control temperature in nanopore experiments, then temperature control is achieved, but the heating is slow and non-selective, affecting all molecules in the bath uniformly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using a focused laser beam to heat only the specific nanopore region where molecules are being interrogated, rather than heating the entire bath. This creates a localized thermal gradient that allows selective temperature control at the nanopore while maintaining ambient temperature elsewhere, thereby achieving both temperature control and rapid, selective heating.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary substance (such as gold nanoparticles or carbon nanotubes) deposited on the nanopore membrane that absorbs laser energy and converts it to heat locally. This intermediary mediates the energy transfer from the laser to the surrounding medium, enabling rapid and selective heating of the nanopore environment without directly heating the entire bath.
2Temperature
If a pulsed IR beam is used for local heating in FRET-based thermal studies, then local temperature changes are achieved, but the heating time scale is limited (not instantaneous)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic or pulsed laser action to heat the nanopore region, allowing precise temporal control over the heating process. By using short laser pulses, the system can rapidly adjust temperature on microsecond timescales, enabling instantaneous temperature changes that match the dynamics of molecular processes being studied.
3Speed
If plasmonic enhancement is used for rapid local heating, then heating speed is improved, but the system complexity increases due to chemical conjugation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses simplified models or alternative approaches to achieve plasmonic-like heating effects without the complex chemical conjugation required in traditional plasmonic systems. For example, it employs commercially available nanopore membranes with pre-deposited light-absorbing materials, eliminating the need for custom chemical functionalization while maintaining rapid heating capability.
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 precise and localized heating of nanoscale environments, allowing for high-throughput interrogation of molecular properties without affecting surrounding areas, enhancing the resolution of molecular studies and sequencing processes.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing laser irradiation of a solid-state material, such as silicon nitride, to achieve rapid and selective heating of nanoscale environments through non-radiative energy transfer
Implementation Method 2
The optothermal effect can be used to provide essentially instantaneous heating, within microseconds, in a nanoscale environment
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and a method are provided for selectively and rapidly applying heat to a nanoscale environment in a controlled manner. The technology utilizes laser irradiation of a solid state material to heat a nanoscale point of interest by an optothermal effect. The technology can be used to the tip of an atomic force microscope, a spot on a flat surface, or a nanopore, or molecules in their vicinity. The apparatus and method are capable of rapidly scanning the temperature of a nanoscale object such as a molecule or biomolecular complex and to interrogate properties of the object at high throughput. The methods can be used in nanofabrication processes or to drive single molecule chemistry.