BAW Resonator Biosensor for Multi-Stage Coagulation Testing

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing coagulation testing methods are limited in their ability to conveniently test multiple stages of the coagulation pathway, and there is a need for more efficient point-of-care testing to identify coagulation disorders and determine appropriate dosages of medications.

Innovation Solution

The use of bulk acoustic wave (BAW) resonators as biosensors to measure blood viscosity and detect various factors in blood samples, allowing for the determination of coagulation properties and medication dosages by sensing viscosity changes with or without coagulation-modifying agents, and monitoring coagulation status over time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If commercial test strips are used for coagulation testing, then single stage coagulation pathway testing is achieved, but convenience for testing multiple stages is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to test multiple stages of coagulation pathwayVSAvoidconvenience of testing

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The BAW sensor system is designed to perform multiple coagulation testing functions through a single device. The system can test different stages of the coagulation pathway by using multiple BAW resonators with different surface coatings (e.g., Factor VIII coating for intrinsic pathway, Factor VII coating for extrinsic pathway), allowing one device to replace multiple single-function test strips while maintaining ease of operation through automated sample processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Loss of information

If BAW sensors are used to measure blood viscosity, then comprehensive coagulation information is obtained, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompleteness of coagulation informationVSAvoidsensor array complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The complex testing function is segmented into multiple specialized BAW resonators, each coated with specific biomolecules to detect different coagulation factors. This segmentation allows comprehensive coagulation information to be gathered through parallel measurements, and the complexity is managed by processing each resonator's signal independently and integrating the results.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Biomolecule coatings (such as antibodies or antigens specific to coagulation factors) serve as intermediaries between the BAW resonators and the blood sample components. These intermediaries enable selective binding and detection of specific coagulation factors, allowing comprehensive information to be obtained while keeping the sensor design modular and manageable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Loss of time

If multiple BAW resonators are used to monitor coagulation over time, then coagulation status changes are detected, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetime for coagulation monitoringVSAvoidmanufacturing of multi-resonator device

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The monitoring function is divided into multiple BAW resonators that can operate in parallel, allowing simultaneous measurement of different coagulation parameters at different time points. This segmentation enables rapid sequential monitoring without requiring complex temporal coordination, as each resonator independently measures its designated parameter.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple BAW resonators with different functional coatings are combined on a single substrate or device platform. This merging allows comprehensive coagulation monitoring to be achieved in a single integrated device, reducing the need for multiple separate tests and simplifying the overall manufacturing process compared to assembling multiple separate devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Provides comprehensive information on blood coagulation status, enabling accurate determination of medication dosages for treating coagulation disorders through sensitive and rapid viscosity measurements.

Implementation Method 1

driving a first bulk acoustic wave (BAW) resonator having a sensing surface into oscillating motion; detecting a resonance characteristic of the first BAW resonator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBulk acoustic wave resonance: Resonance

Implementation Method 2

converting the detected resonance characteristic to a value indicating viscosity of the sample

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectViscosity sensing through acoustic wave interaction: Viscometer

Data Source

PatentUS12360125B2Biosensor for coagulation testing

Publication Date: 2025.07.15 ZOMEDICA BIOTECHNOLOGIES LLC

AI summary

Sensors employing bulk acoustic wave (BAW) resonators are used to assay characteristics of blood. The BAW sensors may be used to sense viscosity of a sample comprising blood to determine coagulation properties of the blood. The viscosity of the blood may be evaluated in the presence of agents that inhibit coagulation or that promote coagulation. The change in viscosity of the sample in the presence of such agents may provide information regarding whether the blood suffers from a coagulation disorder.