Nanoelectrode device for chemical analysis

A method of isolating molecules based on their electrostatic properties, the method comprising:

• a. providing a substrate having a plurality of locally substantially parallel electrodes, each electrode being independently connected to a tunable EMF source;
• b. tuning said electrodes to individually selected potentials, thereby creating a specific electrostatic profile across the electrodes to generate a molecule-specific surface;
• c. contacting a medium comprising molecules with the substrate to allow binding of specific molecules having an affinity to said surface;
• d. separating the medium from the substrate so as to separate the molecules bound to the substrate from non-binding molecules in the medium;
• e. isolating said specific molecules by adjusting said EMF source to release by repulsion or by other means said molecules into a receiving medium brought in contact with the substrate.

A method of catalyzing chemical reactions between molecules comprising:

• a. providing a substrate having a plurality of locally substantially parallel electrodes, each electrode independently connected to a tunable EMF source;
• b. tuning said electrodes to individually selected potentials, thereby creating a specific electrostatic profile across the electrodes to generate a molecule-specific surface;
• c. contacting a medium comprising molecules with the substrate to allow binding of molecules specific for the chemical reaction and having an affinity to said surface;
• d. release of said molecules by adjustment of said EMF source into close spacial proximity of said surface;
• e. chemical reaction between said molecules accelerated by the increase in local concentration of said molecules.

A method of separating molecules, comprising:

• a. providing a substrate having a plurality of locally substantially parallel electrodes, each electrode being independently connected to a tunable EMF source;
• b. tuning said electrodes so as to generate a non-specific electrostatic profile across the electrodes, thus generating a non-specific macromolecular surface;
• c. placement of a micro-channel along said surface;
• d. allowing a medium comprising molecules to pass through the micro-channel, t hereby allowing separation of molecules according to their dipole moment.