Acoustic Wave Sensor Crowding for Slower Analyte Binding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fluidic devices with acoustic wave sensors face challenges in detecting analyte binding kinetics due to rapid saturation at high analyte concentrations, making it difficult to accurately determine analyte concentration without sample dilution, which can introduce complexity and errors.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating crowding agents on the sensor surface to slow down analyte binding kinetics, allowing for extended detection time frames and maintaining signal intensity without diluting the sample, enabling detection of high and low concentration analytes in multiplexed assays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If sample dilution is used to extend detection time frame, then analyte binding kinetics can be detected, but device complexity increases and error propensity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces crowding agents as intermediary molecules that occupy space on the sensor surface and sterically hinder analyte access to capture ligands. This mediator approach slows binding kinetics without requiring sample dilution, thereby extending detection time frame while avoiding the complexity and error risks associated with dilution protocols
2Duration of action of moving object
If sample dilution is used to extend detection time frame, then analyte binding kinetics can be detected, but measurement precision may deteriorate due to increased error propensity
Solution Approach 1:
Crowding agents serve as mediators that control binding kinetics through steric effects rather than concentration changes. This approach maintains the original sample concentration and its inherent signal intensity while extending the detection window, thereby preserving measurement precision without the errors introduced by dilution
3Duration of action of moving object
If analyte capture ligand concentration on sensor surface is reduced, then binding saturation time is extended, but signal intensity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by introducing crowding agents specifically at the sensor surface where they create a steric barrier. This localized modification extends binding saturation time without reducing the overall concentration of capture ligands, thereby maintaining signal intensity while achieving extended detection time frame
Solution Approach 2:
Crowding agents act as intermediaries between the analyte and capture ligand, creating a steric barrier that slows binding kinetics. This allows the sensor to maintain high capture ligand concentration for signal intensity while the crowding agents control the binding rate, achieving both extended detection time and maintained signal strength
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The use of crowding agents extends the time frame for detecting analyte binding kinetics, improving the accuracy of concentration determination and allowing for simultaneous detection of high and low concentration analytes without sample dilution, thus enhancing the sensitivity and reliability of acoustic wave sensor devices.
Implementation Method 1
a crowding agent bound to the surface of the sensor... to reduce the rate of binding of analytes in sample compositions to the analyte capture ligands
Implementation Method 2
The increased mass alters the wave propagation characteristics (e.g., magnitude, frequency, phase, etc.) of the sensor
Implementation Method 3
sensors comprising acoustic wave resonator structures, such as bulk acoustic wave sensor structures
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor device includes a sensor, which may include an acoustic wave resonator structure, having a surface to which analyte capture ligand is bound. The device also includes a crowding agent to reduce the ratio of binding of an analyte in a sample composition to the analyte capture ligand when the sample composition is flowed across the surface of the sensor.