Channel device and sample treatment apparatus including the same

摘要

A channel device including a nanosize channel through which single molecule flows, at least one electrode pair arranged near the nanosize channel, and an AC power source that applies an AC voltage to the electrodes. This channel device is useful for identifying molecules one by one. Furthermore, a channel device including a nanosize channel through which single molecule flows, a branching portion, and a plurality of branching channels, wherein (i) an electrode pair is arranged near the nanosize channel so as to sandwich the nanosize channel between the electrodes, or (ii) one electrode of the electrode pair is located near the nanosize channel, whereas the other is arranged near the branching channels. This channel device is useful for separating single molecule. The present channel device achieves identification or separation at an accuracy of 100% in principle. A sample treatment apparatus according to present invention includes a channel device, a measurement section, and an arithmetic processing section. The measurement section applies a voltage (DC or AC) to between electrodes of an electrode pair installed in the nanosize channel, and measures an electric signal when single molecule passes between the electrodes to identify the molecule (see FIG. 1B).

主权项

1. A channel device comprising:
a nanosize channel through which a sample solution containing a molecule flows; at least one electrode pair arranged near the nanosize channel; and an AC power source that applies an AC voltage to the electrodes, wherein the electrode pair is covered with an insulator material so as not to contact the sample solution flowing through the nanosize channel, and a portion of the nanosize channel in which the electrode pair is arranged is configured to be smaller in width than the entire nanosize channel except for the portion in which the electrode pair is arranged.