Scanning probe with twin-nanopore or a-single-nanopore for sensing biomolecules
View Patent ↗A mechanism is provided for sensing molecules. A twin-nanopore probe includes a first channel and a second channel. A first pressure-controlled reservoir is connected to the first channel to generate a positive pressure. A second pressure-controlled reservoir is connected to the second channel to generate a negative pressure. A container includes ionic solvent with molecules, and a tip of the twin-nanopore probe is submerged in the container of the ionic fluid with the molecules. The first channel, the second channel, the first pressure-controlled reservoir, and the second pressure-controlled reservoir are filled with the ionic fluid. The first pressure-controlled reservoir drives the ionic fluid out of the first channel and the second pressure-controlled reservoir draws in the ionic fluid with the molecules and solvent through the second channel. A flow of ionic current in the twin-nanopore probe is measured to differentiate the molecules that flow through the second channel.
1. A method for sensing molecules, the method comprising:
providing a single-nanopore probe comprising a nanopore, wherein the nanopore includes a nanotube connected to a channel, wherein the channel further comprises a window area connected to a nanopore holder and a fluidic tube connected to the nanopore holder, wherein the nanopore holder has a hole fluidly connecting the window area to the fluidic tube, and wherein the window area acts as a via from the nanotube to the fluidic tube;
connecting the fluidic tube of the channel to a pressure controlled reservoir;
filling the channel and the pressure controlled reservoir with an ionic fluid;
filling a container with the ionic fluid and the molecules,
submerging a tip of the single-nanopore probe in the container filled with the ionic fluid and the molecules;
drawing the molecules into the channel by an electrical field
scanning the ionic fluid in the container for molecules; and
measuring a flow of ionic current through the single-nanopore probe to differentiate the molecules that flow into the channel.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the single-nanopore probe is a scanning probe made of electrically insulating material.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the channel is tapered at the tip.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the reservoir creates a negative pressure inside the single-nanopore probe.
5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the reservoir includes a syringe pump.
6. The method of claim l, wherein the reservoir includes a mechanical pump.
7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the reservoir includes a motorized pump.
8. The method of claim 1 , wherein the reservoir is configured to draw in the molecules which are non-charged molecules.
9. The method of claim 1 , wherein the reservoir is configured to draw in the molecules which are charged molecules.
10. The method of claim 1 , wherein a change in the ionic current is detected as molecules pass through the tip of the single-nanopore probe.
11. The method of claim 1 , wherein an electrical field can drive the molecules into the channel when the molecules are charged.
12. The method of claim 1 , wherein the window area is further comprised of a first volume and the hole having a second volume that is smaller than the first volume of the window area.
13. The method of claim 1 , wherein a first electrode is in the reservoir and a second electrode is in the container.
14. The method of claim 13 , wherein a voltage source is connected to the first electrode and the second electrode.
15. The method of claim 14 , wherein the voltage source generates the ionic current to differentiate the molecules that flow into the channel.
16. A method for sensing molecules, the method comprising:
providing a single-nanopore probe comprising a nanopore, wherein the nanopore includes a nanotube connected to a channel, wherein the channel further comprises a window area connected to a nanopore holder and a fluidic tube connected to the nanopore holder, wherein the nanopore holder has a hole fluidly connecting the window area to the fluidic tube, and wherein the window area acts as a via from the nanotube to the fluidic tube;
connecting the fluidic tube of the channel to a pressure controlled reservoir;
filling the channel and the pressure controlled reservoir with an ionic fluid;
filling a container with the ionic fluid and the molecules;
submerging a tip of the single-nanopore probe in the container of the ionic fluid and the molecules;
drawing the molecules into the channel by a negative pressure inside the single-nanopore probe;
scanning the ionic fluid in the container for molecules; and
measuring a flow of ionic current through the single-nanopore probe to differentiate the molecules that flow into the channel.
17. The method of claim 16 , wherein inner surfaces of the single-nanopore probe are coated with an organic layer.
18. The method of claim 16 , wherein the reservoir is configured to draw in the molecules which are non-charged molecules.