Bio-Sensor Assembly Using Mechanical Clamp
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for assembling silicon sensor and biosensor chips face challenges such as the need for high-temperature processing and the use of chemically aggressive materials, which can damage sensitive bio-receptor molecules, making it difficult to functionalize and assemble sensors without compromising their effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a bio-sensor supported on a carrier with micro-electrodes and electrical contacts, where bio-receptor molecules are physically or chemically coupled to the electrodes, and then assembled with a micro-fluidic unit using a clamp, such as a spring, to create a 'click-and-go' assembly that avoids high temperatures and chemical exposure, ensuring the bio-receptor remains intact and functional.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If standard packaging/assembly techniques with high temperature processing are used, then assembly is simplified, but the bio-receptor molecules are damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The bio-receptor molecules are coupled to the micro-electrodes before the assembly process. The bio-sensor is functionalized in advance while supported on a carrier, allowing the sensitive biological components to be prepared under gentle conditions before being integrated into the final device through a clamp that avoids high temperature and chemical exposure.
2Strength
If chemically aggressive materials are used for assembly, then bonding strength is improved, but the bio-receptor molecules are damaged
Solution Approach 1:
A clamp is introduced as an intermediary component to join the bio-sensor with the micro-fluidic unit. This mechanical clamping mechanism provides the necessary bonding strength and sealing without requiring chemically aggressive materials that would damage the bio-receptor molecules, thereby maintaining both structural integrity and biological functionality.
3Device complexity
If functionalization is performed inside the cartridge, then integration is simplified, but the sensor can only detect one type of bio-molecule
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system is divided into separate functional modules: the bio-sensor chip with micro-electrodes that can be functionalized with specific bio-receptor molecules, and the micro-fluidic unit that provides fluid handling. This segmentation allows the bio-sensor to be functionalized externally with specific receptors before assembly, enabling detection of specific bio-molecules while maintaining a simple integrated structure through the clamp connection.
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 allows for the successful functionalization and assembly of biosensors without damaging the sensitive bio-receptor molecules, enabling efficient detection of biologically-active molecules by isolating the fluid from electrical contacts and forming a liquid-tight seal, thus simplifying the assembly process and maintaining sensor integrity.
Implementation Method 1
functionalizing the bio-sensor by physically or chemically coupling a bio-receptor molecule to each of the at least one micro-electrode
Implementation Method 2
assembling the bio-sensor with a micro-fluidic unit by means of a clamp which clamps the bio-sensor with the micro-fluidic unit
Implementation Method 3
The clamp may be a spring
Data Source
AI summary
“Click-assembly” methods of assembling a sensor for sensing biologically-active molecules by measuring impedance changes, are disclosed, comprising supporting a bio-sensor on a carrier, the bio-sensor comprising an electronic component having at least one micro-electrode and at least one electrical contact, functionalizing the bio-sensor by physically or chemically coupling a bio-receptor molecule to each of the at least one micro-electrode, and subsequently assembling the bio-sensor with a micro-fluidic unit by means of a clamp which clamps the bio-sensor with the micro-fluidic unit, such that in use a fluid introduced into the micro-fluidic unit is able to contact the bio-receptor and is isolated from the electrical contact. The clamp may be a spring, and the method may avoid a requirement for sealing by chemical or thermal means and thereby avoid damaging the bio-receptor.Sensors which can be assembled according to such methods are also disclosed.