Plasmonic Nanopore Temperature Control via Ionic Conductance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring temperature in small volumes, such as yoctoliter volumes, are limited by the need for post-processing and the inability to accurately control and measure temperature changes in real-time, especially when using laser-based techniques, which require a more localized heat source and improved temporal control of temperature profiles.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing plasmonic structures, specifically gold nanoparticles attached to nanopores, where visible laser light excites the nanoparticles to rapidly increase solution temperature, measured by changes in ionic conductance, allowing for precise control and measurement of temperature changes in real-time within a nanopore.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If laser-based techniques are used to rapidly heat small volumes, then temperature change speed is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to requirement of post-processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary substance (infrared-absorbing dye or plasmonic nanoparticle) that converts laser energy into localized heat and enables direct temperature measurement. The dye/nanoparticle acts as a mediator between the laser source and the solution, allowing real-time temperature monitoring through its optical properties without requiring post-processing calculations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces indirect mechanical/post-processing measurement methods with direct optical measurement. Instead of using post-processing to deduce temperature from other measurements, the system uses real-time optical absorption or emission properties of the intermediary substance to directly measure temperature during the heating process
2Speed
If Q-switched ultrafast lasers are used to heat solution to nanosecond timescales, then temperature increase speed is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses inexpensive infrared-absorbing dyes or readily available plasmonic nanoparticles as the heating mechanism instead of expensive Q-switched ultrafast lasers. These dye/nanoparticle systems can be easily introduced into the solution and provide sufficient heating at lower cost and with simpler equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the heating mechanism from direct laser heating of bulk solution to indirect heating via infrared-absorbing substances. This parameter change allows using continuous wave or pulsed infrared lasers instead of complex nanosecond pulsed lasers, simplifying the device while achieving the same heating effect
3Temperature
If infrared absorbing dyes are used to convert laser energy into heat, then temperature control precision is improved, but loss of energy increases due to broad absorption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses plasmonic nanoparticles with localized surface plasmon resonance to concentrate energy absorption at specific locations and wavelengths. The nanoparticles exhibit localized hot spots and can be tuned to absorb at specific frequencies, reducing energy loss to unwanted wavelengths while maintaining precise temperature control at the target location
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 control and measurement of rapid temperature changes in small volumes, enhancing the ability to study single molecule thermodynamics and kinetics, and overcoming limitations of previous methods by providing direct, real-time temperature measurement and control at the nanopore level.
Implementation Method 1
visible laser light excites the plasmonic structure to rapidly increase solution temperature
Implementation Method 2
measured by changes in ionic conductance, allowing for precise control and measurement of temperature changes
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for controlling the temperature of small volumes such as yoctoliter volumes, are described. The systems include one or more plasmonic nanostructures attached at or near a nanopore. Upon excitation of the plasmonic nanostructures, such as for example by exposure to laser light, the nanoparticles are rapidly heated thereby causing a change in the ionic conductance along the nanopore. The temperature change is determined from the ionic conductance. These temperature changes can be used to control rapid thermodynamic changes in molecular analytes as they interact with the nanopore.