UAIPD #17-0007

Nanogated Nanochannel Device (for Gene Detection and

Screening) and the Method of Making Therof

Inventor: Dr. Qiang Huang

Current Problems

• Genomes often take days to weeks to fully

screen

• Unable to screen for specific biomolecules

within the genome

• Market is constantly looking for faster and

more accurate ways to screen genomes

• A new device that enables the detection and screening of an edited gene on DNA at a molecular level

• Method: branched cylindrical nanochannel – <40 nm diameter nanogatesintegrated on walls of nanochannel. – Nanogates of diameter < 40nm

– Detects single DNA molecules and genes on DNA using a two part mechanism

1. Gate 1 (a pore on the wall of the nanotube) isolates DNA to be analyzed

2. Gate 2 – present at a branched location – charged with voltage. Specific voltage charges will correspond to the attraction of different strands of DNA. By controlling the voltage, one can control which genes to isolate.

– Multiple rounds of nanogates can allow for the isolation of desired strand

– Can be used for DNA sequencing or screening in future

Technology

• Manufacture: Production of this technology is difficult currently, but could be facilitated by 3D printing for microstructures when possible

1. Creation of nanowires using aluminum alloy and electroplating

2. Nanowires are etched, creating notches in the material

3. Nanowires covered in an insulating material

4. Nanowires chemically dissolved leaving behind nanotubes – gates were produced by notches in nanowires

Advantages

• Novel construction for specified gene identification

• Accurate and quick methods to identify single molecules in a

sequence

• Able to determine location of target genes on DNA molecules

• Able to determine presence of edited genes in a more efficient

manner

Advantages

Inventor

• Dr. Qiang Huang

• Assistant Professor

• Chemical and Biological Engineering

• qhuang@eng.ua.edu

• Website: http://eeml.ua.edu

Office for Technology Transfer

2704 8th street

Tuscaloosa, AL 35401

UAIPD #17-0007

OTT@UA.edu

www.OTT.UA.edu