Solid-State Selector Tuning Ion Selectivity via Voltage Modulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Solid-state nanopores lack tunable electrostatic control over ion concentration and flow, limiting their effectiveness in applications like ion filtering and DNA sequencing, as they typically have negative surface charges and are electrically insulating, unlike biological channels which can modulate ion selectivity through voltage.
Innovation Solution
A solid-state selector device with a semiconductor membrane, doped with n-type and p-type impurities, allows for voltage modulation of surface charge, enabling selective ion passage through nanopores by applying separate voltages to each side, mimicking the behavior of biological ion channels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If solid-state nanopores are used, then structural stability and manufacturing precision are improved, but ion selectivity control and electrostatic modulation are worsened due to fixed negative surface charges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the surface charge parameter from fixed negative to tunable by applying external voltage. The solid-state nanopore membrane is equipped with gate electrodes that allow the surface charge density to be dynamically adjusted, enabling the system to switch between different ion selectivity states and adapt to various application requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces gate electrodes as an intermediary component between the voltage source and the nanopore surface. These electrodes mediate the electrostatic interaction by generating an electric field that modulates the surface charge density, allowing indirect but precise control over ion transport without directly modifying the nanopore structure.
2Ease of manufacture
If dielectric membranes are used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but electrical insulation and lack of electrostatic control are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite structure by integrating conductive gate electrodes with the dielectric nanopore membrane. This composite design combines the manufacturing advantages of dielectric materials with the electrostatic control capabilities of conductive elements, allowing the system to benefit from both material types simultaneously.
3Adaptability or versatility
If metallic gate voltage modulation is applied, then ion concentration control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control function by separating the gate control electrodes from the nanopore structure itself. This segmentation allows independent optimization of the control system and enables modular integration where the gate electrodes can be positioned and controlled separately from the nanopore membrane fabrication 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 allows for tunable ion selectivity and rectification, enabling efficient ion filtering and potential DNA sequencing by controlling ion flow and concentration, surpassing the limitations of dielectric membranes and conventional nanopores.
Implementation Method 1
the semiconductor membrane can be connected to a voltage source to modulate the nanopore channel charge
Implementation Method 2
n-doped semiconductor membranes can attract either positive or negative ions at the nanopore surface depending on the amount of positive dopant charge in the depletion layer
Implementation Method 3
the amount of positive dopant charge in the depletion layer of the n-type semiconductor
Data Source
AI summary
A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a solid-state selector having a vessel for carrying a liquid medium with one or more molecules surrounded by ions, a solid state conductive structure doped with impurities having one or more through-holes extending between two surfaces of the solid state conductive structure positioned within the liquid medium of the vessel, a voltage source coupled to the solid state conductive structure to selectively stimulate the ions surrounding the one or more molecules to pass through the one or more through-holes. Additional embodiments are disclosed.