Concentrating a target molecule for sensing by a nanopore
AssigneeStratos Genomics, Inc.
InventorsMark Stamatios Kokoris, Robert N. McRuer
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Abstract
Methods and related products are disclosed that improve the probability of interaction between a target molecule and a nanopore by capturing the target molecule on a surface comprising the nanopore. The captured target molecule, the nanopore, or both, are able to move relative to each other along the surface. When the leader of the target molecule is in proximity with the nanopore, interaction of the target portion of the target molecule with the nanopore occurs, thereby permitting sensing of the target portion. Confining the target molecule and nanopore in this manner leads to significantly enhanced interaction with the nanopore.
Claims11
A method for concentrating a target molecule for nanopore sensing, comprising:
- capturing the target molecule on a surface,
- wherein the surface comprises a nanopore and a hydrophobic domain,
- wherein the target molecule comprises a target portion, a hydrophobic capture element and a leader for interaction with the nanopore, and
- wherein the hydrophobic capture element is associated with, and capable of movement along, the hydrophobic domain of the surface to bring the leader in proximity with the nanopore;
- and
- sensing at least the target portion of the target molecule upon translocation of the target molecule through the nanopore;
- wherein the step of capturing the target molecule on the surface comprises contacting the surface with the target molecule, wherein the target molecule comprises, prior to the contacting step, the target portion, the hydrophobic capture element and the leader.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.