Biosensor device

Abstract

A biosensor device according to the present invention comprises: a printed circuit board in which at least one sample seating hole for seating a test sample is formed to have a hollow structure; a biosensor which is coupled to a position corresponding to the sample seating hole on the lower surface of the printed circuit board, and senses a sample reaction of the test sample; and a case having an inner space for accommodating the printed circuit board.

Description

Biosensor device

[0001] The present invention relates to a biosensor device, and more specifically, to a biosensor device with excellent durability.

[0002] Biosensors are used for the inspection of biomaterials. These biosensor devices detect changes in frequency resulting from the adsorption of the substance to be tested onto antibodies deposited on the sensor surface.

[0003] However, conventional biosensor devices have their peripheral (i.e., side) portions directly exposed to the outside, making them inevitably vulnerable to damage to the sensor itself or to deterioration or contamination of the antibodies coated on the sensor. Due to this structure, conventional biosensor devices result in low accuracy of test results.

[0004] Furthermore, conventional biosensor devices utilize wire bonding technology to connect the sensor and the printed circuit board, requiring additional components such as covers to protect the wire or the sensor itself. Additionally, since delicate extra processes are required for wire bonding, this increases the difficulty and cost of the manufacturing process.

[0005] [Prior Art Literature]

[0006] Republic of Korea Published Patent Application No. 10-2021-0117498 (September 29, 2021)

[0007] The problem to be solved by the present invention is a biosensor device having excellent durability and a simple manufacturing process.

[0008] A biosensor device for solving the above problem is characterized by comprising: a printed circuit board having at least one sample mounting hole formed in a hollow structure for mounting a test sample; a biosensor coupled to a position corresponding to the sample mounting hole on the lower surface of the printed circuit board and outputting a detection signal according to the sample reaction of the test sample; and a case having an internal space for accommodating the printed circuit board and the biosensor.

[0009] The above biosensor is characterized by detecting a change in resonance frequency depending on whether the test sample reacts.

[0010] The above biosensor is characterized by having a detection antibody coated on its upper surface to detect whether the test sample is an antigen.

[0011] The above biosensor is characterized by having a detection antigen coated on its upper surface to detect whether an antigen-antibody reaction of the test sample has occurred.

[0012] The above biosensor is characterized by detecting a change in resonance frequency depending on whether there is a sample reaction between the mixed solution in which the test sample is introduced into an antibody container containing antibodies and the detection antigen.

[0013] The above biosensor is characterized as being a Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) sensor.

[0014] It is characterized by further including a connector coupled to one side of the printed circuit board and transmitting a detection signal of the biosensor.

[0015] The above printed circuit board is characterized by further including a sample guide hole formed as a hollow structure on one side of the sample mounting hole to allow the test sample to move downward along the side of the biosensor.

[0016] The sample guide hole is characterized by including a protruding hollow structure that protrudes in the lateral direction of the sample seating hole.

[0017] The above case is characterized by having an inclined surface formed on its upper surface to allow the inspection sample to flow into the sample seating hole.

[0018] The above biosensor device is characterized by further including an absorbent body that surrounds the biosensor and is coupled to the lower surface of the printed circuit board, and is capable of absorbing the test sample moving downward along the sample guide hole.

[0019] According to the present invention, by forming a sample mounting hole in a printed circuit board and attaching a biosensor to a position corresponding to the sample mounting hole on the lower surface of the printed circuit board, damage to the biosensor or damage or contamination of the detection antibody or detection antigen coated on the biosensor can be prevented.

[0020] In addition, the biosensor positioned on the lower surface of the printed circuit board detects a resonance frequency that changes depending on whether the test sample reacts with the detection antibody coated on the sensor, thereby enabling the acquisition of test results for the test sample through a simpler testing process compared to conventional methods.

[0021] In addition, when a detection antigen is coated on the biosensor, the biosensor detects a changed resonance frequency based on whether the solution mixed with the detection antigen and the test sample reacts, thereby enabling the acquisition of test results for the test sample through a simple testing process.

[0022] In addition, the present invention enables increased production efficiency of a biosensor device and reduced manufacturing costs by manufacturing the connection between the biosensor and the printed circuit board using surface mount technology (SMT) instead of wire bonding technology.

[0023] In addition, by forming the hole sizes of the sample mounting holes in various ways, the sample injection amount can be selected according to the type of inspection sample being injected.

[0024] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a biosensor device according to the present invention.

[0025] Figure 2 shows a plan view of the biosensor device illustrated in Figure 1 and a side cross-sectional view of AA' of the plan view.

[0026] Figure 3 is a reference diagram illustrating a printed circuit board shown in Figure 2.

[0027] Figure 4 is a reference diagram illustrating the inspection process for a test sample in a biosensor coated with a detection antibody.

[0028] Figure 5 is a reference diagram illustrating the inspection process for a test sample in a biosensor coated with a detection antigen.

[0029] Figure 6 is a reference diagram illustrating a connector connected to a printed circuit board.

[0030] Figure 7 is a reference diagram illustrating the case illustrated in Figure 2.

[0031] The terms used herein are for describing the embodiments and are not intended to limit the invention. In this specification, the singular form includes the plural form unless specifically stated otherwise.

[0032] In this specification, terms such as “comprising” or “having” are intended to specify the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should not be understood as precluding the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof. Furthermore, the embodiments described in this specification will be described with reference to cross-sectional and / or plan views, which are ideal illustrative examples of the invention. Accordingly, the embodiments of the invention are not limited to the specific forms depicted but include variations in form as needed. Accordingly, the regions illustrated in the drawings are schematic in nature, and the shapes of the regions illustrated in the drawings are intended to illustrate specific forms of the regions of the device and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

[0033]

[0034] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a biosensor device (100) according to the present invention, and FIG. 2 shows a plan view (a) and a side cross-sectional view (b) of AA' of the biosensor device (100) shown in FIG. 1.

[0035] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the biosensor device (100) includes a printed circuit board (110), a biosensor (120), a connector (130), an absorber (140), and a case (150).

[0036] The printed circuit board (110) includes at least one sample mounting hole (110-1) for mounting an inspection sample. The sample mounting hole (110-1) includes a hollow structure formed by penetrating vertically with respect to the printed circuit board (110).

[0037] The size of the sample mounting hole (110-1) formed in the printed circuit board (110) can be formed in various sizes to correspond to the type of inspection sample being injected. Accordingly, since the size of the sample mounting hole (110-1) can be formed in various sizes, the amount of sample injected according to the type of inspection sample being injected can be selected.

[0038] Additionally, the sample mounting hole (110-1) may be formed such that its cross-sectional area decreases as it moves downward. In other words, the sample mounting hole (110-1) has an inclined surface formed on its side so that the sample can slip along the inclined surface and accurately reach the biosensor (120).

[0039] Meanwhile, a selective permeable membrane (not shown) that selectively transmits only the desired substance may be provided on the upper surface of the sample mounting hole (110-1). The selective permeable membrane can function as a filter that transmits only substances other than the sample or filters out only foreign substances in order to prevent foreign substances from adhering to the outer surface of the sensor or entering the interior before sensing is performed by the biosensor (120).

[0040] In another embodiment, the sample mounting hole (110-1) may not be in the form of a single hole penetrating through it, but may be provided in a form in which multiple holes are provided within a single hole. Simply put, the sample mounting hole (110-1) may be in the form of a single hole with only one side open, with multiple holes arranged on the other side. This structure of multiple holes may be formed in a way that controls the excessive inflow of the sample into the biosensor (120).

[0041] FIG. 3 is a reference diagram illustrating a printed circuit board (110) shown in FIG. 2.

[0042] Referring to FIG. 3, it can be seen that a sample mounting hole (110-1) having a hollow structure is formed in the printed circuit board (110).

[0043] In FIG. 3, three sample mounting holes (110-1) are shown formed, but this is exemplary and the number of sample mounting holes (110-1) may be at least one. Additionally, the cross-sectional shape of the sample mounting holes (110-1) may be rectangular, polygonal, or circular.

[0044] Meanwhile, the printed circuit board (110) may include a sample guide hole (110-2) formed as a hollow structure on one side of the sample mounting hole (110-1) to allow the test sample to move downward along the side of the biosensor (120).

[0045] As shown in FIG. 2(a), the sample guide hole (110-2) may include a protruding hollow structure with one side protruding in the lateral direction of the sample seating hole (110-1).

[0046] In FIG. 2 (a) and (b), one sample guide hole (110-2) is shown formed in one sample mounting hole (110-1), but this is exemplary and two or more sample guide holes (110-2) may be formed in one sample mounting hole (110-1).

[0047] The size of the cross-sectional area of ​​the sample guide hole (110-2) can be selected as needed, and by adjusting the cross-sectional area of ​​the sample guide hole (110-2), the speed at which the inspection sample is absorbed into the absorbent body (140) described later can be precisely controlled, thereby increasing the accuracy of the inspection. For example, the cross-sectional area of ​​the sample guide hole is 0.01 to 5 [mm 2 ] It is preferable to form it as such, but this can be determined by conducting experiments on the physical properties, absorption amount, and inspection accuracy of the test sample from various angles.

[0048] In addition, the test sample, after the reaction process with the biosensor (120) is completed, is completely absorbed into the absorbent (140) located in the sealed space below the biosensor (120) through the sample induction hole (110-2), thereby preventing human contact and leakage of the sample that may be harmful to the human body or the environment, and has the advantage of making it easy to dispose of the used biosensor (120).

[0049]

[0050] The biosensor (120) is each coupled to a position corresponding to the sample mounting hole (110-1) on the lower surface of the printed circuit board (110) and detects the sample reaction to the test sample. There may be multiple such biosensors (120).

[0051] For example, the biosensor (120) may be a Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) sensor. The Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) sensor may detect a resonant frequency that has been changed by an external factor, or detect a change in the reflection peak reflected from the SAW sensor.

[0052] Surface-mount technology (SMT) may be used to attach the biosensor (120) to the lower surface of the printed circuit board (110). Surface-mount technology is a process of attaching the biosensor (120), which is a surface-mounted component (SMC), to an electronic circuit on the lower surface of the printed circuit board (110).

[0053] The environment for surface mounting is such that a time of 60 to 90 seconds is satisfied at a temperature of 150 to 180 to 150 to 180 to 200 to 30 to 60 seconds is satisfied at a temperature of 200 to 220 to 20

[0054] The biosensor (120) detects a resonant frequency that changes according to the mass change resulting from the reaction of the test sample. The resonant frequency is dependent on the mass change resulting from the reaction amount and molecular weight of the antigen and antibody of the test sample and generally follows the following mathematical formula 1 (Sauerbery equation).

[0055]

[0056] represents the fundamental resonant frequency of the biosensor (120), and represents the substrate density of the biosensor (120), and represents the speed of surface acoustic waves, and represents the mass attached per unit area.

[0057] To this end, the biosensor (120) may have a detection antibody coated on its upper surface to detect whether there is an antigen-antibody reaction of the test sample, or a detection antigen coated on its upper surface to detect whether an antigen-antibody reaction of the test sample has occurred.

[0058] These two methods are explained with reference to FIGS. 4 and FIG. 5. FIG. 4 illustrates a method of sensing by coating a sensing antibody on the upper surface of a biosensor (120), and FIG. 5 illustrates a method of sensing by coating a sensing antigen on the upper surface of a biosensor (120).

[0059] Sensing antibodies may be exemplified by polyclonal or monoclonal antibodies. Additionally, the sensing antibodies here include other affinity molecules such as various proteins and synthetic antibodies.

[0060] FIG. 4 is a reference diagram illustrating a testing process for a test sample in a biosensor (120) coated with a detection antibody.

[0061] Referring to FIG. 4, the biosensor (120) can detect a change in resonance frequency according to the reaction of the sample between the detection antibody coated on the upper surface and the injected antigen when an antigen (e.g., a drug) that reacts with the detection antibody among the test samples is injected through the case (150). That is, the biosensor (120) detects a change in resonance frequency according to the mass loading effect that occurs during the antigen-antibody reaction between the antibody coated on the upper surface of the sensor and the injected antigen.

[0062] Meanwhile, the biosensor (120) may also detect a change in resonance frequency depending on whether there is a sample reaction between the mixed solution in which the test sample is introduced into the antibody container containing the antibody and the detection antigen.

[0063] FIG. 5 is a reference diagram illustrating a testing process for a test sample in a biosensor (120) coated with a detection antigen.

[0064] The process illustrated in Fig. 5 is explained as follows.

[0065] 1) First, a detection antigen is coated on the biosensor (120). If multiple biosensors (120) are provided, each biosensor (120) may have a different test antigen coated on its upper surface.

[0066] 2) Afterwards, a test sample (e.g., a drug) is introduced into an antibody container containing antibodies to obtain a mixed solution in which an antigen-antibody reaction occurs.

[0067] 3) After that, when the mixed solution is injected into the upper surface of the biosensor (120) coated with a detection antigen, the biosensor (120) detects a change in resonance frequency depending on whether there is an antigen-antibody reaction between the mixed solution and the detection antigen.

[0068] If a test sample (antigen) is introduced into an antibody container containing antibodies that react with the antigen, an antigen-antibody reaction (binding) occurs inside the antibody container, and no antibodies are present in the mixed solution where the antigen-antibody reaction occurred. Therefore, even if this mixed solution is injected onto the biosensor (120), no further binding between the test antigen on the biosensor (120) and the mixed solution proceeds, so no mass loading effect occurs, and consequently, no change in resonance frequency occurs.

[0069] Meanwhile, when a test sample in which no antigen is present is introduced into an antibody container containing antibodies, no antigen-antibody reaction (binding) occurs inside the antibody container, and the antibodies remain in the mixed solution in which no antigen-antibody reaction occurs. Therefore, when such a mixed solution is injected onto the biosensor (120), additional binding occurs between the test antigen on the biosensor (120) and the antibodies in the mixed solution, causing a mass loading effect, and as a result, a change in resonance frequency occurs.

[0070]

[0071] The connector (130) is coupled to one side of the printed circuit board (110) and can be connected by a cable to a user terminal (not shown) for monitoring a detection signal. The connector (130) transmits the signal detected by the biosensor (120) to the user terminal.

[0072] FIG. 6 is a reference diagram illustrating a connector (130) connected to a printed circuit board (110). Referring to FIG. 6, the connector (130) may be an example of a USB terminal.

[0073] The connector (130) may be configured to enable wireless connection rather than wired connection. In other words, as shown in the drawings of the present invention, it may be configured to be directly connected to a user terminal or cable, and may also be configured to be a wireless connection with a separate communication device capable of short-range or long-range communication.

[0074]

[0075] The absorber (140) surrounds each biosensor (120) and is coupled to the lower surface of the printed circuit board (110).

[0076] The absorbent body (140) is made of a material capable of absorbing an inspection sample moving downward along the sample guide hole (110-2). The material of the absorbent body (140) may be cotton pulp, absorbent paper, or non-woven fabric that can easily absorb the inspection sample.

[0077] The absorbent body (140) is intended to prevent the test sample from overflowing onto the sample mounting hole (110-1) when the test sample is injected into the sample mounting hole (110-1) due to an excessive amount of the test sample being injected. Accordingly, the absorbent body (140) absorbs the test sample as it moves downward along the sample guiding hole (110-2).

[0078]

[0079] The case (150) has an internal space for accommodating a printed circuit board (110).

[0080] FIG. 7 is a reference diagram illustrating the case (150) illustrated in FIG. 2.

[0081] Referring to FIG. 7, the case (150) may be composed of an upper cover (150-1) and a lower cover (150-2).

[0082] At this time, the upper cover of the case (150) may have a ramp formed thereon to allow the inspection sample to flow into the sample seating hole (110-1). For example, the angle of the ramp is determined by reflecting the physical properties of the sample, and generally, a range of 30° to 70° is preferred.

[0083] Referring to FIG. 2(b), the upper surface of the upper cover (150-1) constituting the case (150) has an inclined surface (arrow direction) so that the inspection sample can be easily introduced into the sample seating hole (110-1).

[0084] In this case (150), a stain-resistant and waterproof film may be attached to a part or the front surface, or a stain-resistant and waterproof material may be coated. The biosensor device of the present invention is used by the user's hand. The user's hand may contain oil and moisture such as sweat, and if these foreign substances enter the sample mounting hole (110-1) and come into contact with the biosensor (120), the quality of the sensing result may be lowered. Therefore, a special configuration that primarily blocks foreign substances may be attached or coated to a part or the front surface of the case (150).

[0085]

[0086] Although the technical concept of the present invention has been described above together with the accompanying drawings, this is merely an illustrative description of the best embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention.

[0087] Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to the specific preferred embodiments described above, and anyone with ordinary knowledge in the art to which the invention pertains can make various modifications without departing from the essence of the invention as claimed in the claims, and such modifications will be within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A printed circuit board having at least one sample mounting hole formed in a hollow structure for mounting an inspection sample; A biosensor coupled to a position corresponding to the sample mounting hole on the lower surface of the printed circuit board and outputting a detection signal according to the sample reaction of the inspection sample; and A biosensor device characterized by including a case having an internal space for accommodating the above-mentioned printed circuit board and the above-mentioned biosensor.

2. In Claim 1, The above biosensor is, A biosensor device characterized by detecting a change in resonance frequency depending on whether the above-mentioned test sample reacts.

3. In Claim 1, The above biosensor is, A biosensor device characterized by having a detection antibody coated on the upper surface to detect whether the above-mentioned test sample is an antigen.

4. In Claim 1, The above biosensor is, A biosensor device characterized by having a detection antigen coated on the upper surface to detect whether an antigen-antibody reaction of the above test sample has occurred.

5. In Claim 4, The above biosensor is, A biosensor device characterized by detecting a change in resonance frequency depending on whether there is a sample reaction between a mixed solution in which the test sample is introduced into an antibody container containing antibodies and the detection antigen.

6. In Claim 1, The above biosensor is, A biosensor device characterized by being a Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) sensor.

7. In Claim 1, A biosensor device characterized by further including a connector coupled to one side of the printed circuit board and transmitting the detection signal of the biosensor.

8. In Claim 1, The above printed circuit board is, A biosensor device characterized by further including a sample guide hole formed as a hollow structure on one side of the sample mounting hole to allow the above-mentioned test sample to move downward along the side of the biosensor.

9. In Claim 8, The above sample induction hole is, A biosensor device characterized by including a protruding hollow structure that protrudes in the lateral direction of the sample mounting hole.

10. In Claim 1, The above case is, A biosensor device characterized by having a ramp formed on the upper surface to allow the inspection sample to flow into the sample seating hole.

11. In Claim 1, The above biosensor device is, A biosensor device characterized by further including an absorbent body that surrounds the biosensor and is coupled to the lower surface of the printed circuit board, and is capable of absorbing the test sample moving downward along the sample guide hole.

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