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INV-17039
Background
A nanopore is a nanoscale hole through a solid-state impermeable membrane that separates two electrolyte buffer reservoirs. The nanopore is filled with the same electrolyte buffer, which makes a liquid junction between the two reservoirs. The temperature at the nanopore is measured by tracking the ion current through the pore, the magnitude of which is highly temperature-dependent. Temperature is scanned by rapidly changing the laser power while an entity is trapped in the pore, which can be achieved using a variety of devices.
Technology Overview
In this invention, Northeastern researchers have used a local optothermal effect to apply heat to a nanoscale local environment in a controlled manner. Researchers have developed an apparatus for rapidly scanning the temperature of a molecular entity at high throughput and other configurations in which this effect can be used to rapidly control heating in a nanoscale environment. The device consists of a nanoscale point of interest that is composed of solid-state material (Silicon nitride). A laser beam that excites the solid-state layer that is in proximity to the area of interest for controlled heating.
Benefits
- Accurate temperature measurements of a molecular entity or biomolecular/materials system
- Evaluation of molecular entities for different properties with high throughput. This capability is crucial in studying DNA, RNA, and proteins
Applications
- DNA sequencing
- Protein sequencing
Opportunity
- License
- Partnering
- Research collaboration
