Photon Generating Substrate for Oligonucleotide Synthesis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current light-directed oligonucleotide synthesis methods, such as photolithography masks and DMDs, are inefficient and impractical for producing large quantities of oligonucleotides with arbitrary sequences, particularly for digital data storage applications, due to high costs, mechanical complexity, and sensitivity to vibrations.
Innovation Solution
A photon generating substrate that emits patterned light from within a solid-state stack, utilizing microLED arrays, pass-through liquid crystal panels, or LCOS systems, allowing for precise light delivery and smaller pitch sizes without moving parts, and integrating a transmissive, patterning, focusing, and circuitry layers for controlled oligonucleotide synthesis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If photolithography masks are used for light-directed oligonucleotide synthesis, then light patterning can be achieved, but the system becomes costly and time-consuming due to the need to create new masks for each batch of oligonucleotides
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical photolithography masks with a digital micromirror device (DMD) that uses electronically controllable mirrors to pattern light. This substitution eliminates the need for physical mask fabrication, allowing sequence changes to be implemented through digital control signals rather than mechanical mask production, thereby resolving the contradiction between sequence flexibility and fabrication time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a DMD with movable micromirors that can be dynamically reconfigured to different patterns. The mirrors can be tilted and repositioned electronically to create different light patterns for different oligonucleotide sequences, providing adaptability without requiring physical reconfiguration or new components, thus eliminating the time loss associated with mask fabrication
2Adaptability or versatility
If digital micromirror devices are used for light patterning, then flexibility for arbitrary sequences is improved, but the system becomes mechanically complex and sensitive to vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the DMD, light source, and control electronics into a unified optical engine assembly. By merging these components into a single integrated system, the patent reduces overall mechanical complexity while maintaining the flexibility benefits of the DMD, as the combined system can be controlled through a single interface and operates as a cohesive unit rather than separate complex subsystems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the optical engine with a universal light patterning capability that can generate any required light pattern through the DMD's programmable mirrors. This multi-functional design allows the same mechanical system to handle different oligonucleotide sequences and synthesis conditions without requiring additional mechanical components, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining versatility
3Adaptability or versatility
If DMD systems are used for light-directed synthesis, then mask flexibility is achieved, but alignment precision and vibration sensitivity remain problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary alignment procedures during the instrument setup phase, where the optical engine is pre-calibrated to account for mechanical tolerances and alignment variations. This preliminary action establishes reference patterns and compensation algorithms that correct for alignment drift and vibration effects during actual synthesis operations, thereby maintaining manufacturing precision while preserving batch flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor the actual light pattern delivered to the substrate and compare it with the intended pattern. Real-time feedback allows the system to detect and correct alignment deviations caused by vibrations or mechanical drift, maintaining manufacturing precision dynamically while the DMD continues to provide batch flexibility through digital reconfiguration
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 efficient and scalable synthesis of oligonucleotides with arbitrary sequences, reducing alignment and vibration issues, and achieving smaller pitch sizes than traditional DMD systems, making it suitable for digital data storage and other applications.
Implementation Method 1
The light source may be a microLED array patterned by selective activation of individual microLEDs
Implementation Method 2
a wavelength that separates a photolabile blocking group from a nucleotide
Implementation Method 3
one or more lamps, lasers, LEDs, or microLEDs that are patterned by a pass-through liquid crystal panel
Implementation Method 4
one or more lamps, lasers, LEDs, or microLEDs that are patterned by a liquid crystal on silicon (LCoS) system
Data Source
AI summary
Photon generating substrates for light-directed oligonucleotide synthesis are disclosed. Light is generated within a solid-state stack that supports growing oligonucleotides. The light may be generated by microLEDs, a pass-through liquid crystal panel, or an LCoS system. Light passes through a transmissive layer on which growing oligonucleotides are attached. Patterning of the light is controlled by selective activation of the microLEDs or by selective control of the transparency of a liquid crystal layer. Photolabile blocking groups are selectively removed by exposure to patterned light emitted from the photon generating substrate.