An Autonomous Nanofluidic Analysis Device and a Method for the Analysis of Dna Molecules

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

This invention is an autonomous nanofluidic device and method for analyzing DNA molecules. The device features a specially designed detection nanochannel with tapered (narrowing) inlets and widening outlets, enabling DNA-containing fluids to flow through it spontaneously, without the need for external forces such as pumps or electric fields. As DNA flows through the nanochannel, a laser detector reads the fluorescent barcode patterns of each DNA molecule in real time, allowing for rapid identification and analysis.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Medical diagnostics for pathogen identification (e.g., bacteria, viruses)
• Liquid biopsy for early disease detection, such as cancer
• Forensic DNA analysis at crime scenes
• Tracing food authenticity and safety by identifying species and sources in processed foods
• Biodiversity, species control, and ecological monitoring in conservation biology
• Paleontology and evolutionary studies through ancient DNA analysis
• High-throughput screening in research labs and field diagnostics

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Requires no external pumps or electrophoretic forces, making it simpler and cheaper than traditional systems
• Enables real-time, high-throughput DNA analysis
• Reduces equipment costs and complexity by eliminating the need for costly microscopes and cameras
• Allows detection of both very short DNA fragments and ultra-long, unfragmented DNA molecules without field-of-view limitations
• Minimizes sample preparation and DNA material needed
• Simple, rapid manufacturing using polymer imprint lithography
• Provides straightforward, easily interpreted barcoding output
• Suitable for portable and point-of-care diagnostic devices

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Patent Abstract

A nanofluidic analysis device allowing for spontaneous flow of molecules and method for the analysis of DNA molecules, the device comprising a detection nanochannel, a supply channel in fluid communication with an inlet for the detection nanochannel and a discharge channel in fluid communication with an outlet for the detection nanochannel, so that a fluid comprising DNA molecules introduced into the supply channel may flow along a flow direction through the supply channel, via the inlet into the detection nanochannel, through the detection nanochannel, and out of the outlet into the discharge channel, wherein a laser detector system is provided for analyzing the DNA molecules in the detection nanochannel, wherein both a width and a depth of the inlet and thereby a cross section of the inlet decrease along the flow direction and wherein both a width and a depth of the outlet and thereby a cross section of the outlet increase along the flow direction, wherein the detection nanochannel has a length of not more than 35 µm.