Semiconductor manufactured nano-structures for microbe or virus trapping or destruction

Abstract

A device for isolating a microbe or a virion includes a semiconductor substrate; and a trench formed in the semiconductor substrate and extending from a surface of the semiconductor substrate to a region within the semiconductor substrate; wherein the trench has dimensions such that the microbe or the virion is trapped within the trench.

1 .- 20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . A device for isolating a first microbe or a virion from a smaller second microbe or virion in a mixed solution, comprising:
 a first semiconductor layer having a plurality of first holes extending from a first surface to a second surface of the first semiconductor layer;   a second semiconductor layer arranged beneath the first semiconductor layer and having a plurality of second holes extending from a first surface to a second surface of the second semiconductor layer, each second hole of the plurality of second holes having a diameter that is constant across an entire length thereof and smaller than each first hole of the plurality of first holes, and having sidewalls that are substantially parallel to one another; and   an elongated gap positioned between a bottom surface of the first semiconductor layer and a top surface of the second semiconductor layer and having an outlet at an end portion between the bottom surface of the first semiconductor layer and the top surface of the second semiconductor layer, the elongated gap having dimensions for expelling the first microbe or the virion;   wherein the plurality of first holes are formed such that the first microbe or virion and smaller second microbe or virion both pass directly through the plurality of first holes without being trapped, the plurality of second holes are such that the smaller second microbe or virion will pass directly through the plurality of second holes without being trapped, and the first microbe or virion is expelled through the elongated gap.   
     
     
         22 .- 24 . (canceled)