Contactless Optothermal Heating of Silicon Nitride for Instant Temperature Control of Individual Particles, Molecules, and Molecular Complexes near Surfaces Case ID: INV-17039 Web Published: 8/3/2020 Description: 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 Patent Information: App Type Country Serial No. Patent No. File Date Issued Date Expire Date Direct Link: https://neu.technologypublisher.com/technology/41174