Tunnel junctions in microfluidic arrays for molecular recognition
AssigneeRoche Sequencing Solutions, Inc.
InventorsYann ASTIER, Juraj TOPOLANCIK
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Abstract
Embodiments of the present technology may allow for the analysis of molecules by tunneling recognition at a tunneling junction. A tunneling junction of the present technology can include an insulating layer between two electrodes. A voltage may be applied to the electrodes. When a molecule makes contact with both electrodes, the molecule allows current to tunnel through the molecule. The characteristics of the current may aid in identifying a portion of the molecule, for example, a particular nucleotide or base present in a nucleic acid molecule. Methods and systems for analysis of molecules are described.
Claims20
A system for analyzing a molecule, the system comprising:
- a device comprising:
- a first conductive element,
- a second conductive element, and
- an insulating layer disposed between the first conductive element and the second conductive element, wherein:
- the device has a first surface comprising the first conductive element, the second conductive element, and the insulating layer,
- the first conductive element has a first width, the first width characterizing the amount of contact between the first conductive element and the insulating layer along the first surface,
- the first conductive element has a second width at a distal end of the first conductive element along the first surface, and
- the second width is greater than the first width;
- a voltage source in electrical communication with the first conductive element and the second conductive element;
- and
- an electrical meter in electrical communication with the voltage source, the first conductive element, and the second conductive element.
A method of analyzing a molecule, the method comprising:
- applying a first voltage across a first electrode and a second electrode separated by an insulating layer, wherein:
- a first surface comprises the first electrode, the second electrode, and the insulating layer,
- the first electrode is characterized by a first width, the first width characterizing the amount of contact between the first electrode and the insulating layer along the first surface,
- the first electrode has a second width at a distal end of the first electrode along the first surface, and
- the second width is greater than the first width;
- contacting the molecule to the first electrode and the second electrode across the insulating layer;
- measuring an electrical characteristic through the first electrode and the second electrode;
- and
- identifying a portion of the molecule based on the electrical characteristic.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.