Analytical Device Quantitative Measurement via Radio-Wave Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current analytical devices, such as lateral flow assays, are primarily qualitative and lack the capability for quantitative measurement of analyte concentration in liquid samples, often requiring specialized equipment and providing only binary read-outs.
Innovation Solution
An analytical device configured with a chip and antenna for bidirectional radio-wave communication, featuring a sensing circuit with immobilized capture molecules that convert analyte concentration into electrical properties, allowing for quantitative measurement and transmission of results to an external reader unit via radio-wave signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If optical or magnetic techniques are implemented for quantitative measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex optical or magnetic detection systems with a simplified electrical measurement system. The sensing circuit measures changes in electrical properties (such as impedance or capacitance) that occur when analytes bind to capture molecules, eliminating the need for specialized optical or magnetic equipment while achieving quantitative measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an electrical sensing circuit as an intermediary between the biological interaction (analyte-capture molecule binding) and the measurement system. This intermediary converts the biological binding event into an electrical signal that can be easily measured and quantified, bridging the gap between biological sensing and electronic readout.
2Measurement precision
If specialized equipment is used for quantitative measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The analytical device is designed to be self-contained and self-explanatory, with the sensing circuit and display integrated into a single unit that requires no external specialized equipment. The device automatically performs the measurement and displays the quantitative result, making it as easy to operate as a standard lateral flow test while providing quantitative rather than just qualitative results.
3Device complexity
If binary read-out is used, then device complexity is reduced, but loss of information increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the output parameter from a binary state (positive/negative) to a continuous electrical parameter (impedance or capacitance value) that correlates with analyte concentration. This allows the device to maintain simplicity while providing quantitative information, as the electrical property changes continuously with analyte concentration rather than in discrete binary states.
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
Enables quantitative measurement and wireless transmission of analyte concentration data, enhancing diagnostic capabilities without the need for specialized equipment, facilitating home-testing and point-of-care applications.
Implementation Method 1
a sensing circuit comprising at least one detection zone, having an immobilized capture molecule configured for specific interaction with the analyte and wherein said specific interaction results in a change in at least one electrical property of said detection zone
Implementation Method 2
a chip and an antenna configured for continuous bidirectional radio-wave communication with an external reader unit
Data Source
AI summary
An analytical device for measuring an analyte concentration in a liquid sample includes: an application zone for receiving the sample; an electrical device with: a chip and antenna for continuous bidirectional radio-wave communication with an external reader unit; a sensing circuit having a detection zone, having an immobilized capture molecule for specific interaction with the analyte, the interaction resulting in a change in a detection zone electrical property. The electrical device receives, by the chip/antenna, a radio-wave based interrogation signal from the reader unit, a current flows through the sensing circuit and is modified into a return signal representative of analyte concentration, and the return signal is radio-wave based transmitted to the reader or the chip initiates a flow of a current through the sensing circuit which is modified into a return signal representative of the analyte concentration, and the return signal is radio-wave based transmitted to the reader unit.