Title: Tao Hong - Innovator in Nanopore Technology
Introduction
Tao Hong is an inventor based in South San Francisco, CA (US). He is currently associated with Quantapore, Inc., where he focuses on advancements in nanopore technology. Despite having no granted patents to his name, his work in the field of nucleic acid analysis is noteworthy.
Latest Patent Applications
Tao Hong's latest patent application is titled "Method of Translocating Nucleic Acids Through Nanopores." This invention provides methods for analyzing polynucleotides using nanopores that allow the passage of single-stranded polynucleotides but not double-stranded ones. In accordance with some embodiments, a double-stranded product is produced that comprises a labeled strand with a single-stranded tail or overhang. The double-stranded product is exposed to one or more nanopores in the presence of an electric field across the nanopores, allowing the single-stranded tail to be captured while the labeled strand is translocated by unzipping from the double-stranded product. The ionic composition of the reaction mixture and electric field strength are selected so that nucleotides translocate a nanopore at a rate of less than 1000 nucleotides per second.
Conclusion
Tao Hong is making significant contributions to the field of nanopore technology, particularly in the analysis of nucleic acids. His innovative approaches have the potential to advance research in genetic analysis and biotechnology.