University of California

Joshua Hihath

Maria Louise Marco

Paul A Feldstein

Erkin Seker

Xiaoguang Liu

Bryce William Falk

Andre Knoesen

Omeed Momeni

Davide Donadio

Yuanhui Li

Zimple Matharu

Pallavi Daggumati

Juan Artes Vivancos

A micro-electromechanical platform and array system and methods for identifying microbial species with single molecule electrical conductance measurements are provided. The electromechanical platform has a two-tier actuation mechanism with a long stroke provided by a comb drive and a fine stroke provided by an in-plane flexural actuator. The platform is capable of making contact with a single-molecule, applying a bias, measuring the current, and performing a large number of measurements for statistical analysis. The system is capable of detecting any microbial species without requiring enzymatic amplification by detecting specific RNA sequences, for example. With oligonucleotide target molecules, the conductance is extremely sensitive to the sequence so even single-nucleotide polymorphisms can be identified. The system can also discern between subspecies using the same DNA probe. The system provides reliable, efficient, and inexpensive detection and species-level identification of microorganisms in complex detecting environments.

On-chip platform for single-molecule electrical conductance measurements

Various metamaterials are disclosed. An example metamaterial comprises: a first portion with a plurality of nanoparticles; a second portion with a plurality of molecules configured to interlink with the plurality of nanoparticles; and a signal generator configured to provide a signal to the material. The first portion and the second portion of the material are configured to form a hybrid molecule-nanoparticle super-lattice. In some implementations, the first portion of the material is configured to have a mass configured to achieve, at least in part, a designated resonance frequency. The second portion of the material is, in some implementations, configured to have a molecular stiffness configured to achieve, at least in part, the designated resonance frequency. The signal generator is, in some implementations, configured to generate radio frequency (RF) signals.

High frequency hybrid phononic metamaterials for optical and electrical devices

A biosensor platform apparatus and method are provided that can detect, purify and identify nucleic acid (DNA and RNA) biomarkers in complex biological fluids. The methods use a two-stage molecular based approach. The first stage screens for specific nucleic acid-based biomarkers in complex biological fluids by electrochemical detection of DNA:RNA hybridization and facilitates the removal of remaining complex media constituents. The first stage utilizes probes within a tunable nanoporous electrode. The second stage identifies the purified specific hybrids by single-molecule conductance measurements via break junction scanning. Identification can be assisted with a library of conductance measurements. The methods can provide strain level information that can be used for identifying anti-microbial resistance in detected pathogens. Collection of RNA targets allows for biomarker detection and identification without the need for amplification and can provide information about the viability of the sample organism.

Integrated electrochemical detection and purification of nucleic acid biomarkers

A technique that uses nanotechnology to electrically detect and identify RNA sequences without the need for using enzymatic amplification methods or fluorescent labels. The technique may be scaled into large multiplexed arrays for high-throughput and rapid screening. The technique is further able to differentiate closely related variants of a given bacterial or viral species or strain. This technique addresses the need for a quick, efficient, and inexpensive bacterial and viral detection and identification system.

RNA-based, amplification-free, organism identification using nano-enabled electronic detection

Growing community of inventors

Woodland, CA, United States of America

Joshua Hihath