Analyte Sensor Device Immobilized Binding Entity Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fiber optic sensors face challenges in accurately measuring trace analytes in finite samples due to the potential for inaccurate binding protein measurements, leading to reduced signal-to-noise ratios and increased complexity, especially when the binding protein binds excessively with the analyte, resulting in low fractional occupancy.
Innovation Solution
Sensor devices with immobilized binding entities that concentrate analytes and generate detectable signals without the need for a fiber optic, allowing for accurate measurement in finite samples by immobilizing a small amount of binding entity on a substrate, which can be mounted in an optical system to quantify the analyte concentration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a fiber optic sensor with binding protein is used to measure trace analytes, then the sensor can detect analytes in real time, but the binding protein may bind excessively with the analyte resulting in low fractional occupancy and inaccurate measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the measurement function into two separate components: (1) a sensor device with immobilized binding entity that concentrates and binds the analyte, and (2) a separate luminescent indicator that provides the detection signal. This segmentation prevents the binding entity from being dispersed in the bulk sample, maintaining high fractional occupancy while enabling accurate measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary luminescent indicator system that transfers the binding information from the immobilized binding entity to the detection system. The binding entity concentrates the analyte on the sensor device surface, and the luminescent indicator (either directly attached or in proximity) converts this concentration into a measurable signal, decoupling the binding function from the detection function.
2Ease of operation
If binding protein is dispersed throughout the water sample, then the sample can be thoroughly contacted, but the concentration of fluorophores becomes very low making signal acquisition difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system concentrates the binding entities on a localized sensor device surface rather than dispersing them throughout the sample. This spatial segmentation maintains high local concentration of fluorophores at the sensor surface, ensuring strong signal intensity while the sensor device is contacted with the sample to achieve thorough analyte interaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor device employs a porous support structure that allows sample penetration and thorough contact with the immobilized binding entities. The porous material provides high surface area for binding entity immobilization, enabling efficient sample contact while maintaining high local fluorophore concentration for strong signal generation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If fiber optic sensors are used for remote or inaccessible measurements, then the sensors can reach difficult locations, but the optical design introduces background that reduces signal-to-noise ratio
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the problematic fiber optic waveguide component from the sensor system and replaces it with a simple optical mount that holds the sensor device. This removal eliminates the background signal introduced by the fiber optic design while preserving the ability to perform remote or inaccessible measurements using the same sensor device in a fluorometer or other optical detection system.
4Reliability
If a small amount of binding entity is immobilized on the sensor device, then the fractional occupancy increases for finite samples, but the device complexity increases compared to fiber optic sensors
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor device uses a simplified optical mount structure that copies the functional interface of traditional fiber optic sensors without replicating their complex waveguide architecture. The mount allows the sensor device to be positioned in standard fluorometers, leveraging existing detection infrastructure and avoiding the need for specialized fiber optic handling and alignment equipment.
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
This approach enables accurate and efficient quantification of analytes in finite samples by increasing fractional occupancy and reducing the complexity and cost associated with fiber optic sensors, while maintaining high signal detection sensitivity.
Implementation Method 1
Fiber optic sensors, especially fluorescence or photoluminescence-based sensors, have been used to determine analytes in solution
Implementation Method 2
Fiber optic sensors to determine analytes may include a binding protein or other photoluminescent or calorimetric indicator system on the fiber optic sensor
Implementation Method 3
The binding entity is capable of binding to the at least one target analyte
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are sensor devices, methods, systems, and kits for measuring the concentration of at least one target analyte. Sensor devices may be mounted into an optical system for measuring the target analyte. Example sensor devices may also be removably mounted in a holder that enables the sensor device to be inserted into a container that allows the sensor device to contact an analyte containing sample. Further provided are methods that include contacting a sensor device with an analyte-containing sample; determining analyte concentration; and optionally repeating these steps to determine if the analyte concentration spikes or exceeds a predetermined level, which may trigger an alarm response.