BAW Resonator Single-Molecule Binding Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Piezoelectric resonator sensors, including thin-film bulk acoustic wave (BAW) resonators, face limitations in sensitivity for detecting biological analytes due to their relatively low oscillating frequencies and poor detection limits in immunoassays.

Innovation Solution

The use of thin-film bulk acoustic wave (BAW) resonators with resonance frequencies of 500 MHz or greater, coupled with actuation and measurement circuitry, and a controller to detect individual binding events between analyte molecules and binding sites on the resonator surface, allowing for enhanced sensitivity through phase-shift monitoring.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional piezoelectric resonators with low oscillating frequencies (several MHz to 100 MHz) are used, then device complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but sensitivity for detecting biological analytes deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesensitivityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the resonant frequency parameter from conventional MHz range to GHz range (500 MHz or greater) by using thin-film BAW resonator technology. This parameter change directly improves sensitivity for detecting biological analytes while managing the increased device complexity through integrated circuit design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If thin-film resonators with high resonant frequencies (1 GHz) are used, then sensitivity is improved, but detection limit for certain analytes such as biological analytes deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesensitivityVSAvoiddetection limit

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs mechanical vibration at resonant frequencies (500 MHz or greater) of thin-film BAW resonators to detect binding events. The resonant oscillation amplifies the signal from individual binding events, enabling single-molecule detection capability while maintaining reliable detection limits for biological analytes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #18Mechanical vibration

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from conventional electrical measurement methods to mechanical resonance-based detection. By measuring changes in resonant frequency and quality factor of the mechanical oscillator, the system achieves superior detection limits for biological analytes compared to traditional electrical sensing methods

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If piezoelectric resonator sensors are used in immunoassays, then detection capability is provided, but sensitivity and detection limit deteriorate due to poor performance in such applications

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection capabilityVSAvoidsensitivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality enhancement by functionalizing specific regions of the resonator surface with binding sites (e.g., antibodies) while maintaining the overall resonator structure. This localized functionalization enables specific immunoassay detection while the high-frequency resonance provides the necessary sensitivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal sensing platform where the thin-film BAW resonator can detect various biological analytes through different binding site configurations. The same resonator structure serves multiple detection functions by changing only the surface functionalization, providing both versatility and high sensitivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 improved sensitivity and detection capabilities for analyte binding kinetics, allowing for the discrimination of specific and non-specific binding events and the estimation of binding rates, effectively overcoming the limitations of conventional piezoelectric sensors.

Implementation Method 1

A piezoelectric resonator is typically constructed as a thin, planar layer of crystalline or polycrystalline piezoelectric material sandwiched between two electrode layers

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

When used as a sensor, the resonator is exposed to the material being detected to allow the material to bind on a surface of the resonator. As the material being detected binds on the resonator surface, the oscillation frequency of the resonator is reduced

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectResonance: Resonance

Data Source

PatentUS11747305B2Resonator for detecting single molecule binding

Publication Date: 2023.09.05 ZOMEDICA BIOTECHNOLOGIES LLC

AI summary

Various embodiments of an apparatus for measuring binding kinetics of an interaction of an analyte material present in a fluid sample are disclosed. The apparatus includes a sensing resonator having at least one binding site for the analyte material; actuation circuitry adapted to drive the sensing resonator into an oscillating motion; measurement circuitry coupled to the sensing resonator and adapted to measure an output signal of the sensing resonator representing resonance characteristics of the oscillating motion of the sensing resonator; and a controller coupled to the actuation and measurement circuitry, wherein the controller is adapted to detect an individual binding event between the at least one binding site and a molecule of the analyte material.