Us Patent Application Optical Thinning Membrane Nanopore

US Patent Application: Optical Thinning Membrane Nanopore

The intersection of nanotechnology, optics, and biotechnology has spurred remarkable innovations, and among these, the optical thinning membrane nanopore stands out as a particularly promising area of research. This technology combines the precision of nanopore sensing with the sensitivity of optical detection, offering potential breakthroughs in fields ranging from DNA sequencing to drug discovery. A US patent application in this domain signifies a significant step towards realizing the practical applications of this innovative technology.

Introduction to Optical Thinning Membrane Nanopores

Nanopores, tiny holes with diameters on the nanometer scale, have been utilized for various sensing applications. These nanopores can be created in thin membranes made of materials like silicon nitride or graphene. The fundamental principle behind nanopore sensing involves monitoring the ionic current as molecules pass through the pore. Each molecule causes a unique disruption in the current, allowing for its identification and characterization.

However, traditional nanopore sensing methods often lack the sensitivity needed to detect subtle differences between molecules. This is where optical thinning comes into play. Optical thinning involves engineering the membrane surrounding the nanopore to enhance optical signals, making it possible to detect molecules with greater precision. By integrating optical detection methods with nanopore technology, researchers can overcome some of the limitations of purely electrical sensing.

This article delves into the concept of optical thinning membrane nanopores, their underlying principles, fabrication techniques, applications, and the significance of US patent applications in this field.

Basic Principles of Nanopore Sensing

To understand the advancements offered by optical thinning membrane nanopores, it is essential to first grasp the fundamentals of nanopore sensing. Nanopore sensing relies on the principle of translocation, where molecules are driven through a nanopore by an electric field. As these molecules pass through the pore, they cause a change in the ionic current flowing through the nanopore.

The magnitude and duration of this current change are indicative of the molecule's size, charge, and shape. By analyzing these electrical signals, researchers can identify and characterize individual molecules. This technique has been successfully used for:

• DNA sequencing: Determining the order of nucleotide bases in a DNA molecule.
• Protein analysis: Identifying and characterizing proteins based on their size and charge.
• Small molecule detection: Detecting the presence of small molecules, such as drugs or metabolites.

Despite its potential, traditional nanopore sensing has limitations. The electrical signals can be noisy, and it can be challenging to distinguish between molecules with similar properties. Optical thinning addresses these limitations by adding an optical detection layer to the nanopore sensing process.

Enhancing Sensitivity Through Optical Thinning

Optical thinning involves modifying the membrane surrounding the nanopore to enhance optical signals. This can be achieved through various methods, such as creating thin films with specific optical properties or incorporating plasmonic materials into the membrane. The goal is to create a structure that interacts strongly with light, allowing for the sensitive detection of molecules passing through the nanopore.

One common approach is to use thin films of materials like gold or silver, which exhibit surface plasmon resonance (SPR). When light interacts with these materials, it excites collective oscillations of electrons at the surface, creating a highly sensitive optical signal. By carefully designing the geometry and composition of the thin film, researchers can optimize the SPR effect to enhance the detection of molecules in the nanopore.

Another method involves creating photonic crystal structures in the membrane. Photonic crystals are periodic structures that can control the flow of light, creating regions of high optical intensity. By positioning the nanopore within one of these high-intensity regions, the interaction between light and the molecules passing through the pore is maximized, leading to improved detection sensitivity.

Fabrication Techniques for Optical Thinning Membrane Nanopores

The fabrication of optical thinning membrane nanopores requires advanced techniques from both nanotechnology and microfabrication. Several methods are commonly used to create these structures, each with its advantages and limitations.

Electron Beam Lithography (EBL)

Electron beam lithography is a high-resolution technique used to pattern nanoscale structures. In this method, a focused beam of electrons is used to write a pattern on a resist material, which is then developed to create a mask. This mask can be used to etch the desired structure into the membrane material.

EBL is particularly useful for creating nanopores with precise dimensions and shapes. However, it can be a time-consuming and expensive process, making it less suitable for large-scale production.

Focused Ion Beam (FIB) Milling

Focused ion beam milling is another technique used to create nanopores. In this method, a focused beam of ions is used to remove material from the membrane, creating the nanopore. FIB milling offers good control over the size and shape of the nanopore, but it can also damage the surrounding material.

Self-Assembly Techniques

Self-assembly techniques involve using chemical or biological processes to create nanostructures. For example, researchers can use DNA origami to create templates for nanopores or to assemble plasmonic nanoparticles around the nanopore. Self-assembly techniques can be cost-effective and scalable, but they may offer less control over the precise dimensions of the nanopore.

Layer-by-Layer Deposition

Layer-by-layer deposition is a method used to create thin films with controlled thickness and composition. This technique involves depositing alternating layers of different materials onto a substrate. By carefully controlling the deposition parameters, researchers can create thin films with the desired optical properties for optical thinning.

Integration of Optical Detection Methods

Once the optical thinning membrane nanopore has been fabricated, the next step is to integrate it with an optical detection system. Several optical detection methods can be used, including:

• Fluorescence Microscopy: In fluorescence microscopy, molecules are labeled with fluorescent dyes that emit light when excited by a specific wavelength of light. By detecting the emitted light, researchers can identify and track the movement of molecules through the nanopore.

• Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) Spectroscopy: SPR spectroscopy is a sensitive technique that can detect changes in the refractive index of the material surrounding the nanopore. When molecules bind to the surface of the thin film, they cause a change in the refractive index, which can be detected by monitoring the reflected light.

• Raman Spectroscopy: Raman spectroscopy is a technique that measures the vibrational modes of molecules. When light interacts with a molecule, it can scatter inelastically, resulting in a shift in the wavelength of the light. By analyzing the Raman spectrum, researchers can identify the chemical composition of the molecule.

• Interferometry: Interferometry involves measuring the interference pattern of light waves. When molecules pass through the nanopore, they can cause a change in the refractive index of the surrounding medium, which can be detected by measuring the shift in the interference pattern.

Applications of Optical Thinning Membrane Nanopores

The combination of nanopore sensing and optical detection opens up a wide range of applications in various fields.

DNA Sequencing

One of the most promising applications of optical thinning membrane nanopores is DNA sequencing. Traditional DNA sequencing methods can be expensive and time-consuming. Nanopore sequencing offers a faster and more cost-effective alternative. By using optical thinning to enhance the detection of individual nucleotide bases as they pass through the nanopore, researchers can achieve higher accuracy and throughput.

Protein Analysis

Proteins are complex molecules that play critical roles in biological processes. Analyzing proteins is essential for understanding diseases and developing new therapies. Optical thinning membrane nanopores can be used to identify and characterize proteins based on their size, charge, and shape. By labeling proteins with fluorescent dyes or using SPR spectroscopy, researchers can detect and analyze individual protein molecules with high sensitivity.

Drug Discovery

Drug discovery is a challenging and expensive process. Optical thinning membrane nanopores can be used to screen potential drug candidates and to study their interactions with target molecules. By monitoring the binding of drug molecules to proteins or DNA, researchers can identify promising drug candidates and optimize their efficacy.

Environmental Monitoring

Optical thinning membrane nanopores can also be used for environmental monitoring. By detecting the presence of pollutants or toxins in water or air samples, researchers can assess the quality of the environment and identify potential risks to human health.

Medical Diagnostics

In medical diagnostics, optical thinning membrane nanopores can be used to detect biomarkers for various diseases. By identifying specific molecules in blood or urine samples, doctors can diagnose diseases at an early stage and monitor the effectiveness of treatments.

Challenges and Future Directions

While optical thinning membrane nanopores offer significant advantages over traditional sensing methods, several challenges need to be addressed before they can be widely adopted.

Fabrication Complexity

The fabrication of optical thinning membrane nanopores requires advanced techniques and precise control over the dimensions and composition of the nanostructures. Developing simpler and more cost-effective fabrication methods is essential for making this technology more accessible.

Signal Processing

The optical signals generated by nanopore sensing can be noisy and complex. Developing advanced signal processing algorithms is crucial for extracting meaningful information from the data and improving the accuracy of the measurements.

Integration with Microfluidic Systems

Integrating optical thinning membrane nanopores with microfluidic systems can enable high-throughput and automated analysis. Developing robust and reliable microfluidic systems that can deliver samples to the nanopores and control the flow of fluids is an important area of research.

Biocompatibility

For applications in biomedical research and diagnostics, it is essential to ensure that the materials used to fabricate the nanopores are biocompatible and do not interfere with biological processes. Developing biocompatible materials and surface coatings is an important area of research.

Miniaturization

Miniaturizing the optical detection system is crucial for creating portable and point-of-care devices. Developing compact and low-cost optical components and integrating them with the nanopore sensor is an important area of research.

In the future, optical thinning membrane nanopores are expected to play an increasingly important role in various fields. As fabrication techniques improve and new applications are discovered, this technology has the potential to revolutionize the way we detect and analyze molecules.

Significance of US Patent Applications

A US patent application for an optical thinning membrane nanopore signifies a crucial step in protecting and commercializing this innovative technology. Patents grant inventors exclusive rights to their inventions, preventing others from making, using, or selling the invention without permission. This protection is essential for encouraging investment in research and development, as it provides a pathway for recouping the costs associated with bringing a new technology to market.

Protecting Intellectual Property

Filing a US patent application protects the intellectual property associated with the optical thinning membrane nanopore. This includes the specific design of the nanopore, the fabrication techniques used to create it, and the methods for integrating it with an optical detection system. By securing a patent, the inventors can prevent others from copying their invention and ensure that they retain control over its commercialization.

Attracting Investment

A US patent application can attract investment from venture capitalists and other investors. Investors are more likely to invest in a technology that is protected by a patent, as it provides a competitive advantage and reduces the risk of imitation. Securing a patent can also increase the valuation of a company, making it easier to raise capital for further research and development.

Commercialization Opportunities

A US patent application can open up new commercialization opportunities for the optical thinning membrane nanopore. The patent can be licensed to other companies, allowing them to manufacture and sell the technology. Alternatively, the inventors can start their own company to commercialize the technology. In either case, the patent provides a valuable asset that can be used to generate revenue and create jobs.

Driving Innovation

Patents play a critical role in driving innovation. By providing inventors with exclusive rights to their inventions, patents encourage them to continue innovating and developing new technologies. The patent system also promotes the dissemination of knowledge, as patents are published and made available to the public. This allows other researchers to build upon existing inventions and develop even more advanced technologies.

Case Studies of Patented Nanopore Technologies

Several companies and research institutions have successfully patented nanopore technologies, demonstrating the potential of this field.

Oxford Nanopore Technologies

Oxford Nanopore Technologies is a leading company in the field of nanopore sequencing. They have developed a range of nanopore-based DNA sequencing devices that are used in research and diagnostics. Oxford Nanopore Technologies holds numerous patents covering various aspects of their technology, including the design of the nanopores, the fabrication methods, and the signal processing algorithms.

Genia Technologies

Genia Technologies, which was acquired by Roche, developed a nanopore-based DNA sequencing platform that uses a solid-state nanopore and electrical detection. They hold patents covering the design of their nanopores and the methods for detecting DNA bases as they pass through the pore.

Harvard University

Researchers at Harvard University have developed several innovative nanopore technologies, including optical thinning membrane nanopores. They have filed patent applications covering the design of their nanopores and the methods for integrating them with optical detection systems.

Ethical Considerations

As with any new technology, there are ethical considerations that need to be addressed when developing and using optical thinning membrane nanopores.

Privacy

Nanopore sequencing can generate vast amounts of genetic data, which raises concerns about privacy. It is important to ensure that this data is stored securely and used responsibly.

Security

Nanopore technology could be used for malicious purposes, such as creating bioweapons. It is important to implement safeguards to prevent the misuse of this technology.

Accessibility

It is important to ensure that nanopore technology is accessible to researchers and clinicians in all parts of the world, regardless of their financial resources.

Conclusion

Optical thinning membrane nanopores represent a significant advancement in the field of nanosensing. By combining the precision of nanopore sensing with the sensitivity of optical detection, this technology offers the potential to revolutionize various fields, including DNA sequencing, protein analysis, drug discovery, environmental monitoring, and medical diagnostics.

The fabrication of optical thinning membrane nanopores requires advanced techniques and precise control over the dimensions and composition of the nanostructures. Several challenges need to be addressed before this technology can be widely adopted, including improving fabrication methods, developing advanced signal processing algorithms, and ensuring biocompatibility.

A US patent application for an optical thinning membrane nanopore signifies a crucial step in protecting and commercializing this innovative technology. Patents grant inventors exclusive rights to their inventions, encouraging investment in research and development and opening up new commercialization opportunities. As research in this field continues to advance, optical thinning membrane nanopores are expected to play an increasingly important role in various fields, driving innovation and improving our understanding of the world around us. The convergence of nanotechnology, optics, and biotechnology, as exemplified by optical thinning membrane nanopores, promises a future where complex biological processes can be understood and manipulated with unprecedented precision.