Acupuncture Needle with Plasmonic Nano-Finger Array for In Vivo Biomarker Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surface-enhanced spectroscopy techniques face challenges in efficiently detecting biomarkers and analytes in vivo due to limitations in inserting and positioning nano-scale SES elements within specimens, particularly in achieving consistent signal enhancement and selective detection.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising an elongated substrate with SES elements, such as nano-fingers, integrated into an acupuncture needle structure, allowing for insertion and positioning within specimens, with a cover layer for protection and optional drug delivery, enabling real-time spectroscopy and enhanced signal emission through plasmonic interactions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If nano-scale SES elements are inserted into specimens, then signal enhancement is improved, but insertion and positioning consistency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple nano-scale SES elements into an array integrated onto a single substrate, which is then incorporated into an acupuncture needle. This merging approach maintains the signal enhancement capability of individual nano-elements while providing a stable, pre-positioned structure that ensures consistent insertion and positioning within the specimen, thereby resolving the contradiction between signal enhancement reliability and insertion ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The acupuncture needle serves as an intermediary carrier that facilitates the delivery and positioning of the SES element array into the specimen. This intermediary approach simplifies the insertion process while maintaining consistent positioning of the nano-scale elements, addressing the contradiction between operational ease and positioning precision.
2Measurement precision
If SES elements are positioned within specimens, then analyte detection is improved, but selective detection capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs local quality by functionalizing specific regions of the SES element array with different materials or structures that are selective for particular analytes. This allows the system to maintain high measurement precision for target analytes while incorporating selective detection capabilities through localized functional modifications on the substrate.
Solution Approach 2:
The SES element array is segmented into distinct functional regions, where different segments can be optimized for detecting specific analytes. This segmentation enables simultaneous detection of multiple analytes with different selectivity requirements, resolving the contradiction between detection accuracy and selective detection capability.
3Measurement precision
If nano-scale elements are used, then spectroscopy sensitivity is improved, but insertion stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple nano-scale SES elements into a consolidated array structure mounted on a stable substrate. This approach preserves the high spectroscopy sensitivity provided by individual nano-elements while the array configuration and substrate mounting provide mechanical stability during insertion and operation, resolving the contradiction between sensitivity and stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite material structures combining nano-scale SES elements with stable substrate materials and protective coatings. This composite approach maintains the optical properties and sensitivity of the nano-elements while providing the mechanical stability required for reliable insertion and long-term operation in the specimen.
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
Facilitates fast and accurate profiling of biomarkers and physiological states, enabling early diagnosis, disease prevention, and treatment monitoring by ensuring consistent signal enhancement and selective detection of analytes in vivo.
Implementation Method 1
metal nano-particles that, once excited by light, support plasmon modes (collective oscillations of free electron density, which create strong near fields around the metal nano-particles)
Implementation Method 2
vibrationally excitable levels of an analyte are probed. The energy of a photon can shift by an amount equal to that of the vibrational level excited by the photon (Raman scattering)
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3
AI summary
According to an example, an apparatus for performing spectroscopy includes an elongated substrate having a shape and size to be inserted into a specimen, wherein the elongated substrate has a first end and a second end. The apparatus also includes a plurality of surface-enhanced spectroscopy (SES) elements positioned on an exterior surface of the elongated substrate at a location between the first end and the second end of the elongated substrate.