Resonating Optomechanical Ring for DNA Sequencing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing DNA sequencing devices lack sensitivity and reliability due to high false positive rates and require lengthy analysis times or large sample volumes.

Innovation Solution

A detection device that utilizes a resonating optomechanical ring with an oligonucleotide probe connecting a fixed and movable portion, allowing for vibration frequency measurement before and after hybridization, to detect the hybridization level and sequence of nucleic bases.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the length of analysed strands is reduced to reduce false positives, then the number of false positives is reduced, but the duration of analysis increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefalse positive rateVSAvoidanalysis duration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies mechanical vibration by setting the movable portion in vibration at its resonance frequency and measuring the vibration frequency before and after hybridization. The hybridization level is detected through the variation in mechanical resonance frequency, which allows accurate sequence determination without requiring strand length reduction, thus maintaining both reliability and analysis duration efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #18Mechanical vibration

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the detection parameter from traditional hybridization detection to mechanical resonance frequency measurement. By measuring the vibration frequency of the movable portion and detecting the variation caused by hybridization, the system achieves high reliability without increasing analysis time, as the frequency measurement provides direct information about the hybridization state.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the number of sensors with the same recognition probe is increased to reduce false positives, then the number of false positives is reduced, but the volume of samples required increases considerably

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefalse positive rateVSAvoidsample volume

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional optical or electrical sensing systems with a mechanical vibration-based detection system. The movable portion is set in vibration and its resonance frequency is measured to detect hybridization, eliminating the need for multiple sensors and reducing the sample volume required while maintaining high reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The single movable portion with recognition probe serves multiple functions: it acts as both the recognition element and the sensing element. The same probe that performs sequence recognition also serves as the mechanical resonator whose vibration frequency is measured, eliminating the need for separate sensors and reducing sample consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If rapid methods are implemented to meet demand for DNA sequencing devices, then the speed of analysis is improved, but the error rate increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanalysis speedVSAvoiderror rate

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses mechanical vibration at resonance frequency to achieve rapid and accurate sequence determination. The high frequency of vibration allows for fast measurement while the resonance condition provides high sensitivity to detect hybridization, thereby achieving both rapid analysis and low error rates simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #18Mechanical vibration

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback by measuring the vibration frequency before and after hybridization and comparing the variation to determine the sequence. This feedback mechanism allows for rapid determination of hybridization state while maintaining high accuracy, as the frequency comparison provides direct information about the sequence composition.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 device achieves high sensitivity and reliability by accurately determining hybridization levels and sequences, reducing false positives, and enabling rapid analysis of long sequences with minimal sample volume.

Implementation Method 1

means for setting the movable portion in vibration and means for measuring the vibration frequency of the movable portion before and after hybridisation of the analysed strand on the probe

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical resonance: Resonance

Implementation Method 2

This interaction is reflected by an hybridisation reaction between the analysed strand and the probe strand. The analysed strand bonds more easily to a probe whose sequence corresponds exactly to the complementary sequence of the analysed strand

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHybridization: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentUS20250122561A1Device for sequencing a nucleotide sequence exhibiting in crease sensitivity and im-proved reliability

Publication Date: 2025.04.17 COMMISSARIAT A LENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES

AI summary

A device for sequencing at least one nucleotide strand including a support, at least one portion movable relative to the support, means for setting the movable portion in vibration at a given frequency, means for measuring the vibration frequency of the movable portion, and a recognition probe mechanically connecting the support and the movable portion, the recognition probe including at least one nucleotide sequence.