Assay Chip Optical Layout for Compact Single-Molecule Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bioassays require large, expensive laboratory equipment and complex techniques, involving bulky lasers and optics for detecting and analyzing biological samples, which are not accessible or affordable for many applications, especially in developing regions.
Innovation Solution
A compact apparatus with integrated pulsed excitation sources and sensors, utilizing refractive, diffractive, or plasmonic elements to enhance excitation and emission energy, enabling rapid, quantitative analysis of biological samples, including nucleic acid sequencing, through spatial and temporal distribution patterns of luminescent markers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional bioassays use large laboratory equipment with bulky lasers and optics, then detection capability is achieved, but device size and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functional components (excitation light source, optical elements, sensor, and sample well) into a single integrated pixel structure. Each pixel contains its own excitation source and sensor, eliminating the need for separate bulky external components and achieving miniaturization while maintaining detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The assay chip is divided into multiple independent pixels, each capable of performing complete bioassay functions. This segmentation allows parallel processing of multiple samples simultaneously while keeping each individual pixel small and simple, resolving the contradiction between detection capability and device size.
2Measurement precision
If conventional bioassays use expensive laser light sources and complicated detection optics, then luminescence detection is achieved, but cost and accessibility decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs inexpensive LED light sources instead of expensive lasers, and uses disposable assay chips with integrated components. This approach significantly reduces the cost of the system while maintaining adequate detection precision for biological samples, thereby improving accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
Each pixel is self-contained with its own excitation source and sensor, eliminating the need for complex external optical systems. The integrated design allows the system to perform luminescence detection autonomously without requiring expensive external equipment, reducing overall system cost.
3Measurement precision
If conventional bioassays require trained researchers to operate equipment, then accurate analysis is achieved, but operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated pixels perform all necessary bioassay functions autonomously without requiring skilled operation. The automated detection and processing within each pixel eliminates the need for trained researchers to manually operate complex equipment, while maintaining analysis accuracy through integrated control systems.
4Productivity
If conventional bioassays process samples in bulk, then detection coverage is achieved, but sample quantity requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The assay chip is segmented into multiple pixels, each capable of analyzing individual samples. This allows parallel processing of numerous small samples simultaneously, achieving high detection coverage without requiring large bulk quantities of any single sample. Each pixel can process separate, small-volume samples independently.
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 cost-effective, portable, and high-speed bioassays that can be performed anywhere, providing essential diagnostics and advancing biochemical discoveries, while reducing costs and enhancing accessibility to diagnostic tests.
Implementation Method 1
Some bioassays are performed by tagging samples with luminescent tags that emit light of a particular wavelength. The tags are illuminated with an excitation light source to cause luminescence
Implementation Method 2
at least one optical element configured to direct the emission energy from each sample well of the plurality of sample wells towards a respective sensor of the plurality of sensors
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and methods for analyzing single molecule and performing nucleic acid sequencing. An apparatus can include an assay chip that includes multiple pixels with sample wells configured to receive a sample, which, when excited, emits emission energy; at least one element for directing the emission energy in a particular direction; and a light path along which the emission energy travels from the sample well toward a sensor. The apparatus also includes an instrument that interfaces with the assay chip. The instrument includes an excitation light source for exciting the sample in each sample well; a plurality of sensors corresponding the sample wells. Each sensor may detect emission energy from a sample in a respective sample well. The instrument includes at least one optical element that directs the emission energy from each sample well towards a respective sensor of the plurality of sensors.