Waveguide Nanowell Single-Molecule Detection Throughput
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current detection apparatuses for single molecules, such as those using zero-mode waveguides, face limitations in throughput and scalability due to their design, which restricts the detection of low-intensity light emitted by single molecules.
Innovation Solution
A detection apparatus comprising a waveguide with a core layer and a cladding layer, featuring nanowells that form an effective excitation zone for single molecules, allowing for the detection of low-intensity light emitted by single molecules through a light detector.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If zero-mode waveguide (ZMW) is used for single-molecule detection, then detection sensitivity is improved, but throughput is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The waveguide structure is divided into multiple independent nanowells (excitation zones) that can simultaneously detect multiple single molecules. Each nanowell acts as an independent detection unit, allowing parallel detection across the waveguide structure, thereby increasing throughput while maintaining the sensitivity benefits of evanescent field excitation.
2Productivity
If conventional bulk measurement is used, then throughput is maintained, but detection sensitivity is insufficient for single molecules
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system creates localized excitation zones (nanowells) within the waveguide where evanescent fields are confined. This local concentration of excitation energy enables sensitive single-molecule detection in specific regions while the overall waveguide structure can accommodate multiple such zones for higher throughput, combining advantages of both bulk and single-molecule approaches.
3Measurement precision
If nanowells are formed in the waveguide, then excitation zone confinement is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical nanowell fabrication with a photonic approach using evanescent field confinement in the waveguide. The nanowells are formed by modifying the waveguide structure to create regions where total internal reflection confines light, eliminating the need for complex mechanical nanowell structures while achieving precise excitation zone confinement.
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 apparatus enhances the detection sensitivity and scalability by creating a confined excitation and observation space, enabling the detection of single molecules with improved signal-to-noise ratio and throughput.
Implementation Method 1
propagation of light having a wavelength longer than a cutoff wavelength in a core region is prohibited. When a light having a wavelength longer than the cutoff wavelength is incident to the entrance of the waveguide, the light will not propagate along the longitudinal direction of the core region. Instead, the light intensity will decay exponentially along the longitudinal direction of the core region, forming an evanescent field
Implementation Method 2
the light intensity will decay exponentially along the longitudinal direction of the core region, forming an evanescent field at the entrance of the waveguide. This offers a specific excitation zone, within which molecule is excited
Implementation Method 3
exciting, by the excitation light, a single molecule object in the effective excitation zone, to cause the single molecule object to emit a light to be detected by a detector
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for detecting an object capable of emitting light. The apparatus comprises a light source and a waveguide. The waveguide comprises a core layer and a first cladding layer. At least one nanowell is formed in at least the first cladding layer. The apparatus further comprises a light detector. The light detector can detect a light emitted from a single molecule object contained in the at least one nanowell.