Patents by Inventor Hongbo Peng

Hongbo Peng has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20140131203
    Abstract: A mechanism is provided for capturing a molecule via an integrated system. An alternating voltage is applied to a Paul trap device in an electrically conductive solution to generate electric fields. The Paul trap device is integrated with a nanopore device to form the integrated system. Forces from the electric fields of the Paul trap device position the molecule to a nanopore in the nanopore device. A first voltage is applied to the nanopore device to capture the molecule in the nanopore of the nanopore device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2013
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hongbo Peng, Gustavo A. Stolovitzky, Deqiang Wang
  • Patent number: 8702940
    Abstract: A mechanism for capturing molecules is provided. A nanopore through a membrane separates a first chamber from a second chamber, and the nanopore, the first chamber, and the second chamber are filled with ionic buffer. A narrowed neck is at a middle area of the first chamber, and the narrowed neck is aligned to an entrance of the nanopore. The narrowed neck has a high intensity electric field compared to other areas of the first chamber having low intensity electric fields. The narrowed neck having the high intensity electric field concentrates the molecules at the middle area aligned to the entrance of the nanopore. Voltage applied between the first chamber and the second chamber drives the molecules, concentrated at the entrance of the nanopore, through the nanopore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Hongbo Peng, Gustavo A. Stolovitzky, Deqiang Wang
  • Patent number: 8691067
    Abstract: A technique for controlling the motion of one or more charged entities linked to a polymer through a nanochannel is provided. A first reservoir and a second reservoir are connected by the nanochannel. An array of electrodes is positioned along the nanochannel, where fluid fills the first reservoir, the second reservoir, and the nanochannel. A first electrode is in the first reservoir and a second electrode is in the second reservoir. The first and second electrodes are configured to direct the one or more charged entities linked to the polymer into the nanochannel. An array of electrodes is configured to trap the one or more charged entities in the nanochannel responsive to being controlled for trapping. The array of electrodes is configured to move the one or more charged entities along the nanochannel responsive to being controlled for moving.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Stefan Harrer, Binquan Luan, Glenn J. Martyna, Hongbo Peng, Stanislav Polonsky, Stephen M. Rossnagel, Ajay k. Royyuru, Gustavo A. Stolovitzky, George F. Walker
  • Publication number: 20140056763
    Abstract: A mechanism is provided for sensing molecules. A twin-nanopore probe includes a first channel and a second channel. A first pressure-controlled reservoir is connected to the first channel to generate a positive pressure. A second pressure-controlled reservoir is connected to the second channel to generate a negative pressure. A container includes ionic solvent with molecules, and a tip of the twin-nanopore probe is submerged in the container of the ionic fluid with the molecules. The first channel, the second channel, the first pressure-controlled reservoir, and the second pressure-controlled reservoir are filled with the ionic fluid. The first pressure-controlled reservoir drives the ionic fluid out of the first channel and the second pressure-controlled reservoir draws in the ionic fluid with the molecules and solvent through the second channel. A flow of ionic current in the twin-nanopore probe is measured to differentiate the molecules that flow through the second channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2012
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hongbo Peng
  • Publication number: 20140053632
    Abstract: A mechanism is provided for sensing molecules. A twin-nanopore probe includes a first channel and a second channel. A first pressure-controlled reservoir is connected to the first channel to generate a positive pressure. A second pressure-controlled reservoir is connected to the second channel to generate a negative pressure. A container includes ionic solvent with molecules, and a tip of the twin-nanopore probe is submerged in the container of the ionic fluid with the molecules. The first channel, the second channel, the first pressure-controlled reservoir, and the second pressure-controlled reservoir are filled with the ionic fluid. The first pressure-controlled reservoir drives the ionic fluid out of the first channel and the second pressure-controlled reservoir draws in the ionic fluid with the molecules and solvent through the second channel. A flow of ionic current in the twin-nanopore probe is measured to differentiate the molecules that flow through the second channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2012
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hongbo Peng
  • Patent number: 8641877
    Abstract: Apparatus, system, and method are provided for cutting a linear charged polymer inside a nanopore. A first voltage is applied to create an electric field in a first direction. A second voltage is applied to create an electric field in a second direction, and the first direction is opposite to the second direction. When the electric field in the first direction and the electric field in the second direction are applied to a linear charged polymer inside a nanopore, the linear charged polymer is cut at a location with predetermined accuracy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Binquan Luan, Glenn J. Martyna, Hongbo Peng, Gustavo A. Stolovitzky
  • Patent number: 8641879
    Abstract: A technique for controlling the motion of one or more charged entities linked to a polymer through a nanochannel is provided. A first reservoir and a second reservoir are connected by the nanochannel. An array of electrodes is positioned along the nanochannel, where fluid fills the first reservoir, the second reservoir, and the nanochannel. A first electrode is in the first reservoir and a second electrode is in the second reservoir. The first and second electrodes are configured to direct the one or more charged entities linked to the polymer into the nanochannel. An array of electrodes is configured to trap the one or more charged entities in the nanochannel responsive to being controlled for trapping. The array of electrodes is configured to move the one or more charged entities along the nanochannel responsive to being controlled for moving.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Stefan Harrer, Binquan Luan, Glenn J. Martyna, Hongbo Peng, Stanislav Polonsky, Stephen M. Rossnagel, Ajay K. Royyuru, Gustavo A. Stolovitzky, George F. Walker
  • Publication number: 20140027287
    Abstract: A mechanism for capturing molecules is provided. A nanopore through a membrane separates a first chamber from a second chamber, and the nanopore, the first chamber, and the second chamber are filled with ionic buffer. A narrowed neck is at a middle area of the first chamber, and the narrowed neck is aligned to an entrance of the nanopore. The narrowed neck has a high intensity electric field compared to other areas of the first chamber having low intensity electric fields. The narrowed neck having the high intensity electric field concentrates the molecules at the middle area aligned to the entrance of the nanopore. Voltage applied between the first chamber and the second chamber drives the molecules, concentrated at the entrance of the nanopore, through the nanopore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2012
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hongbo Peng, Gustavo A. Stolovitzky, Deqiang Wang
  • Patent number: 8618581
    Abstract: A field effect transistor device includes: a reservoir bifurcated by a membrane of three layers: two electrically insulating layers; and an electrically conductive gate between the two insulating layers. The gate has a surface charge polarity different from at least one of the insulating layers. A nanochannel runs through the membrane, connecting both parts of the reservoir. The device further includes: an ionic solution filling the reservoir and the nanochannel; a drain electrode; a source electrode; and voltages applied to the electrodes (a voltage between the source and drain electrodes and a voltage on the gate) for turning on an ionic current through the ionic channel wherein the voltage on the gate gates the transportation of ions through the ionic channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Hongbo Peng, Stanislav Polonsky, Stephen M. Rossnagel, Gustavo Alejandro Stolovitzky
  • Patent number: 8603303
    Abstract: Apparatus, system, and method are provided for cutting a linear charged polymer inside a nanopore. A first voltage is applied to create an electric field in a first direction. A second voltage is applied to create an electric field in a second direction, and the first direction is opposite to the second direction. When the electric field in the first direction and the electric field in the second direction are applied to a linear charged polymer inside a nanopore, the linear charged polymer is cut at a location with predetermined accuracy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Binquan Luan, Glenn J. Martyna, Hongbo Peng, Gustavo A. Stolovitsky
  • Patent number: 8598018
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of forming an electrode having reduced corrosion and water decomposition on a surface thereof. A conductive layer is deposited on a substrate. The conductive layer is partially oxidized by an oxygen plasma process to convert a portion thereof to an oxide layer thereby forming the electrode. The oxide layer is free of surface defects and the thickness of the oxide layer is from about 0.09 nm to about 10 nm and ranges therebetween, controllable with 0.2 nm precision.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Ali Afzali-Azdakani, Shafaat Ahmed, Hariklia Deligianni, Dario L. Goldfarb, Stefan Harrer, Hongbo Peng, Stanislav Polonsky, Stephen Rossnagel, Xiaoyan Shao, Gustavo A. Stolovitzky
  • Publication number: 20130302901
    Abstract: Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide methods, devices, and systems for sequencing nucleic acid polymers that utilize palladium (Pd), for example, at least in part, as an electrode material that is (i) functionalized with one or more adaptor molecules and (ii) capable for use to sense one or more chemical compositions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Inventors: Stuart Lindsay, Peiming Zhang, Brett Gyarfas, Suman Sen, Shuai Chang, Steven Lefkowitz, Hongbo Peng
  • Publication number: 20130271150
    Abstract: A technique for a nanodevice is provided. A reservoir is separated into two parts by a membrane. A nanopore is formed through the membrane, and the nanopore connects the two parts of the reservoir. The nanopore and the two parts of the reservoir are filled with ionic buffer. The membrane includes a graphene layer and insulating layers. The graphene layer is wired to first and second metal pads to form a graphene transistor in which transistor current flowing through the graphene transistor is modulated by charges or dipoles passing through the nanopore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2012
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hongbo Peng, Gustavo A. Stolovitzky, Wenjuan Zhu
  • Publication number: 20130270521
    Abstract: A technique for a nanodevice is provided. A reservoir is separated into two parts by a membrane. A nanopore is formed through the membrane, and the nanopore connects the two parts of the reservoir. The nanopore and the two parts of the reservoir are filled with ionic buffer. The membrane includes a graphene layer and insulating layers. The graphene layer is wired to first and second metal pads to form a graphene transistor in which transistor current flowing through the graphene transistor is modulated by charges passing through the nanopore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2012
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hongbo Peng, Gustavo A. Stolovitzky, Wenjuan Zhu
  • Patent number: 8557529
    Abstract: A nanopore capture system may include a material configured to pass through a nanopore device in a controlled manner based upon its interaction with the nanopore device. The system may also include a capture mechanism connected to one end of the material. The capture mechanism may be configured to catch a particular type of molecule while ignoring other types of molecules. The system may also include a controller to manipulate and/or detect the particular type of molecule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Stanislav Polonsky, Ali Afzali-Ardakani, Hongbo Peng, Gustavo A. Stolovitzky, Ajay A. Royyuru, Mark N. Wegman
  • Patent number: 8557097
    Abstract: A technique for embedding a nanotube in a nanopore is provided. A membrane separates a reservoir into a first reservoir part and a second reservoir part, and the nanopore is formed through the membrane for connecting the first and second reservoir parts. An ionic fluid fills the nanopore, the first reservoir part, and the second reservoir part. A first electrode is dipped in the first reservoir part, and a second electrode is dipped in the second reservoir part. Driving the nanotube into the nanopore causes an inner surface of the nanopore to form a covalent bond to an outer surface of the nanotube via an organic coating so that the inner surface of the nanotube will be the new nanopore with a super smooth surface for studying bio-molecules while they translocate through the nanotube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Ali Afzali-Ardakani, Binquan Luan, Hongbo Peng
  • Publication number: 20130263946
    Abstract: A technique for a nanodevice is provided. The nanodevice includes a fluidic cell, and a membrane dividing the fluidic cell. A nanopore is formed through the membrane, and the nanopore is coated with an organic compound. A first part of the organic compound binds to a surface of the nanopore and a second part of the organic compound is exposed freely inside of the nanopore. The second part of the organic compound is configured to be switched among a first neutral hydrophilic end group, a second negatively charged hydrophilic end group, and a third neutral hydrophobic end group based on a switching mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2012
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ali Afzali-Ardakani, Stefan Harrer, Binquan Luan, Hongbo Peng, Gustavo A. Stolovitzky, Deqiang Wang
  • Publication number: 20130264219
    Abstract: A technique for a nanodevice is provided. The nanodevice includes a fluidic cell, and a membrane dividing the fluidic cell. A nanopore is formed through the membrane, and the nanopore is coated with an organic compound. A first part of the organic compound binds to a surface of the nanopore and a second part of the organic compound is exposed freely inside of the nanopore. The second part of the organic compound is configured to be switched among a first neutral hydrophilic end group, a second negatively charged hydrophilic end group, and a third neutral hydrophobic end group based on a switching mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2012
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ali Afzali-Ardakani, Stefan Harrer, Binquan Luan, Hongbo Peng, Gustavo A. Stolovitzky, Deqiang Wang
  • Publication number: 20130256154
    Abstract: A technique for a nanodevice is provided. A reservoir is separated into two parts by a membrane. A nanopore is formed through the membrane, and the nanopore connects the two parts of the reservoir. The nanopore and the two parts of the reservoir are filled with ionic buffer. The membrane includes a graphene layer or a graphene oxide layer. The nanopore could be oxidized to graphene oxide at an inner surface. The graphene or graphene oxide in the nanopore is coated with an organic layer configured to interact with biomolecules in a different way in order to differentiate the biomolecules. The organic layer enhances resolution and motion control of the biomolecules. A time trace of ionic current is monitored to identify the biomolecules based on a respective interaction of the biomolecules with the organic layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2012
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hongbo Peng
  • Patent number: 8518829
    Abstract: A method of forming a nanopore array includes patterning a front layer of a substrate to form front trenches, the substrate including a buried layer disposed between the front layer and a back layer; depositing a membrane layer over the patterned front layer and in the front trenches; patterning the back layer and the buried layer to form back trenches, the back trenches being aligned with the front trenches; forming a plurality of nanopores through the membrane layer; depositing a sacrificial material in the front trenches and the back trenches; depositing front and back insulating layers over the sacrificial material; and heating the sacrificial material to a decomposition temperature of the sacrificial material to remove the sacrificial material and form pairs of front and back channels, wherein the front channel of each channel pair is connected to the back channel of its respective channel pair by an individual nanopore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Bing Dang, Hongbo Peng