Thin Film Device Storage Solution for Nanopore Sequencer Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge is maintaining the hydrophilicity and dielectric breakdown voltage of thin film devices used in nanopore sequencers over extended periods, especially during storage and transport, as they are prone to organic matter adhesion and dielectric breakdown due to static electricity, leading to film deterioration and uncontrollable nanopore diameter changes.
Innovation Solution
A storage method involving a thin film device with an insulating Si thin film, sealed in a container with a solution that satisfies specific conditions such as low water concentration, low temperature, and high salt concentration to prevent dielectric breakdown and maintain hydrophilicity, allowing for extended storage and transport without the need for frequent solution introduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the thin film device is stored in a conventional aqueous solution, then the device can be maintained, but the dielectric breakdown voltage decreases over time due to etching reactions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the storage solution by using an organic solvent instead of conventional aqueous solution. This parameter change prevents water-based etching reactions that cause dielectric breakdown voltage decrease, thereby extending storage time while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an inert storage environment by using organic solvents that do not promote etching reactions. This inert environment protects the thin film from chemical degradation, maintaining dielectric breakdown voltage over extended storage periods.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If the thin film device is stored for extended periods, then more storage time is available, but hydrophilicity of the device surface is attenuated due to organic matter adhesion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the storage medium from aqueous to organic solvent-based solutions. This parameter change prevents surface hydrophilicity attenuation by avoiding organic matter adhesion that occurs in conventional aqueous storage, thereby extending storage time while maintaining surface properties.
3Ease of operation
If the thin film device is transported and stored without specific solution conditions, then logistics are simplified, but the nanopore diameter becomes uncontrollable due to film deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the storage solution parameters to organic solvents that prevent film deterioration. This prevents nanopore diameter changes during transport and storage, maintaining manufacturing precision without complicating logistics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harm of extended storage and transport into a benefit by using organic solvents that stabilize the thin film. This allows the device to be stored and transported without special conditions while maintaining nanopore integrity.
4Quantity of substance
If conventional aqueous solutions are used for storage, then the device can be stored, but etching reactions cause film deterioration and dielectric breakdown voltage decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the solution composition from aqueous to organic solvent-based. This parameter change eliminates etching reactions that degrade film quality, maintaining reliability while ensuring solution availability for storage.
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 effectively prevents dielectric breakdown voltage decrease and maintains film quality, enabling longer device life and reliable biological molecule measurement by stabilizing the thin film surface and preventing etching reactions.
Implementation Method 1
a method in which a high voltage is applied to a thin film to perform dielectric breakdown of the thin film and open a pore
Implementation Method 2
a surface is hydrophilized after a nanopore is produced using an electron beam such as TEM or etching
Implementation Method 3
it is difficult for a customer to perform the treatment, and thus, it is desirable that the treatment is performed on the manufacturer side
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for storing a thin film device, the apparatus including: a thin film device 3 having an insulating thin film containing Si and having a thickness of 100 nm or less; a solution in contact with the thin film; and a container having a tank that seals the solution, wherein the solution is a solution that satisfies any of the following conditions (1) to (3).(1) A solution containing water in a volume ratio of 0% or more to 30% or less(2) A solution cooled and maintained at a temperature equal to or higher than a solidification point and lower than 15° C.(3) A solution that contains a salt with a concentration of 1 mol/L or more and a saturation concentration or less and is cooled and maintained to a temperature equal to or higher than a solidification point and lower than 25° C.