Single molecule filter and single molecule electrograph, and process for making and using same
Inventors
Suehle, John S. • Kasianowicz, John J. • BALIJEPALLI, ARVIND • Robertson, Joseph W. • BENJAMINI, JESSICA
Assignees
National Institute of Standards and Technology NIST
Publication Number
US-10067118-B2
Publication Date
2018-09-04
Expiration Date
2035-09-30
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Abstract
A single molecule filter includes: a membrane including: a first surface; a second surface; and a membrane aperture disposed in the membrane and traversing the membrane from the first surface to the second surface, the membrane aperture provided to communicate a single molecule across the membrane; and a nanotube disposed on the membrane and including: a first end disposed on the first surface of the membrane; a second end disposed distal to the first surface; and a tubular aperture extending along the nanotube from the first end to the second end, the tubular aperture provided to communicate the single molecule from the second end of the nanotube to the membrane aperture.
Core Innovation
The invention provides a single molecule filter that includes a membrane with a first and second surface and a membrane aperture that traverses the membrane to communicate a single molecule across it. Disposed on the membrane is a nanotube having a tubular aperture that extends from a first end on the membrane's first surface to a distal second end. The tubular aperture communicates the single molecule from the nanotube's second end through to the membrane aperture.
Further, a single molecule electrograph monolithically incorporates this single molecule filter along with a transistor disposed on an interfacial layer around the nanotube. The transistor produces a change in drain current in response to the presence of the single molecule in the nanotube's tubular aperture, thereby detecting the single molecule. A single molecule detector includes the single molecule filter, electrodes, and a container partitioned into two compartments separated by the filter, enabling controlled communication and detection of the single molecule between compartments.
Claims Coverage
The patent includes three independent claims presenting three main inventive features related to a single molecule filter, a single molecule detector, and a process for detecting a single molecule.
Single molecule filter with membrane and nanotube
A filter comprising a membrane with a first and second surface and a membrane aperture traversing the membrane to communicate a single molecule. A nanotube is disposed on the membrane, having a first end on the first surface and a second distal end with a tubular aperture extending along the nanotube to communicate the single molecule from the nanotube's second end to the membrane aperture.
Single molecule detector including electrodes and container
A detector comprising the single molecule filter described above, a primary electrode disposed proximate and opposing the nanotube's second end distal to the membrane's second surface, and a secondary electrode disposed proximate and opposing the membrane's second surface, distal to the nanotube, and opposing the primary electrode.
Process for detecting a single molecule using the detector
A method of providing a single molecule detector containing the single molecule filter and electrodes in a container partitioned into two compartments by the filter. The process involves disposing a composition with the single molecule in the first compartment and communicating the single molecule through the nanotube's tubular aperture and membrane aperture to the second compartment to detect it.
These claims collectively cover the structural design of the single molecule filter with nanotube, the integration of electrodes and container for detection purposes, and the operational process of detecting a single molecule by communication through the filter and nanotube apertures.
Stated Advantages
Unique identification of a single molecule disposed in a composition.
The single molecule electrograph can produce an electrical signal as a change in drain current responding to a presence of the single molecule in the nanotube aperture.
Selective communication of single molecules based on size, charge, and hydrophilicity by configuring the nanotube and surface properties.
Capability to produce temporal separation for different single molecules enabling isolation and purification.
Use of an electric field or hydrostatic pressure to stimulate communication of single molecules through the filter.
Documented Applications
Detecting single molecules such as proteins, nucleic acids, small molecule neurotransmitters, hormones, and synthetic polymers in compositions.
Unique identification and characterization of biomolecules by charge distribution or amino acid composition via drain current measurements.
Selective separation and purification of single molecules based on size or hydrophilicity using the single molecule filter.
Use in containers partitioned into compartments with electrodes for controlled and measurable communication of single molecules.
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