System and method for real-time analysis of molecular sequences using nanochannels
AssigneeChung National University Industry-Academic Cooperation Foundation
InventorsJung Bum CHOI, Jong Jin LEE
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Abstract
The present invention relates to a system for analyzing molecular sequences, which is capable of decoding unit molecules constituting various biopolymers on a real-time basis using nanochannels. A control electrode serves to control the unit molecules passing along the channel such that the velocity of movement, arrangement, and directivity of the unit molecules can be rendered uniform. Particularly, at least four probe electrodes are separately formed in the case of decoding ss-DNA base molecules. Each probe electrode is coated with four different types of DNA base molecules to maximize detection efficiency through the interaction with complementary base molecules moving along the inside of the channel.
Claims28
A system for analyzing a sequence of molecules using a nanochannel, the system comprising:
- at least one nanochannel having a width and height that allows a biopolymer to pass therethrough without twisting or folding;
- at least one control electrode disposed on any one side of the nanochannel across the nanochannel and configured to align individual molecules of the biopolymer, which is introduced into the nanochannel, in the same direction according to electrical or chemical properties of the individual molecules, and to control moving speed of the individual molecules;
- at least one probe electrode, one end or side of which is disposed adjacent to any one side of the nanochannel along a direction perpendicular to a lengthwise direction of the nanochannel and which is configured to sense either a change in charge distribution induced by electric dipoles of different individual molecules of the biopolymer passing through the nanochannel or a change in current caused by a difference in orbital energy of the individual molecules;
- and
- a measurement element configured to measure an absolute or relative value of the change in charge distribution or current sensed by each of the probe electrodes.
A method for analyzing a sequence of molecules using a nanochannel, the method comprising the steps of:
- moving a biopolymer in a nanochannel by electrophoresis or a difference in pressure of a fluid;
- applying a voltage to a control electrode formed over or under the nanochannel or under a substrate having the nanochannel formed thereon, or connecting the control electrode to an earth, or floating the control electrode, to align individual molecules of the biopolymer in a uniform direction and control a moving speed of the individual molecules;
- inducing a change in charge distribution of a probe electrode by electric dipoles of the individual molecules of the biopolymer;
- and
- transferring the change in charge distribution of the probe electrode to a measurement element to read the type of individual molecules.
A method for analyzing a sequence of molecules using a nanochannel, the method comprising the steps of:
- moving a biopolymer in a nanochannel by electrophoresis or a difference in pressure of a fluid;
- applying a voltage to a control electrode formed over or under the nanochannel or under a substrate having the nanochannel formed thereon, or connecting the control electrode to an earth, or floating the control electrode, to align individual molecules of the biopolymer in a uniform direction and control a moving speed of the individual molecules;
- tunneling energy levels of the individual molecules through a probe electrode pair consisting of two opposite probe electrodes located at two opposite sides of the nanochannel, respectively;
- and
- sensing a change in the tunneling currents by a measurement element connected to the probe electrode pair to read the type of individual molecules.
A method for analyzing a sequence of molecules using a nanochannel, the method comprising the steps of:
- moving a biopolymer in a nanochannel by electrophoresis or a difference in pressure of a fluid;
- applying a voltage to a control electrode formed over or under the nanochannel or under a substrate having the nanochannel formed thereon, or connecting the control electrode to an earth, or floating the control electrode, to align individual molecules of the biopolymer in a uniform direction and control a moving speed of the individual molecules;
- interacting the individual molecules with a single-layer probe electrode or a lower layer electrode of a multilayer probe electrode, disposed over an open top of the nanochannel;
- and
- sensing either a change in current of the single-layer probe electrode or a change in current of the lower layer electrode of the multilayer probe electrode, caused by a change in a voltage applied to the upper layer electrode, by a measurement element connected to the single-layer probe electrode or the lower layer electrode of the multilayer probe electrode, to read the types of individual molecules.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.