Biochip Impedance Biomarker Quantification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current biomarker detection technologies are bulky, expensive, and not suitable for compact, point-of-care diagnostics, particularly for diseases like hepatitis B and C, and auto-immune diseases such as sepsis, which require sensitive and inexpensive methods for monitoring biomarkers in biofluids.
Innovation Solution
A method using a biochip with a channel and electrodes to measure impedance changes caused by biomarkers in a biological sample, where a solid support, such as beads, is functionalized to increase affinity for biomarkers, allowing for rapid and quantitative detection of biomarkers in biofluids like saliva or blood.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If bulky optical instrumentation is used for biomarker assays, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces bulky optical detection systems with electrical impedance measurement systems. The biochip uses electrodes to measure impedance changes caused by biomarker binding events, substituting mechanical/optical components with electrical field-based detection that is more compact and suitable for point-of-care applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the detection parameter from optical signals to electrical impedance measurements. By monitoring impedance changes in the biofluid sample within the microchannel, the system achieves sensitive biomarker detection using compact electrical components rather than bulky optical instrumentation.
2Measurement precision
If conventional biomarker assays are used, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation and portability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection system into a compact biochip format with integrated microchannels and electrodes. This segmentation allows the assay to be performed in a portable, point-of-care setting while maintaining measurement precision through the specialized microstructured design of the biochip.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a biochip as an intermediary device that bridges the gap between complex laboratory assays and simple point-of-care testing. The biochip encapsulates the detection functionality in a portable format that can be easily operated at the point of care while maintaining analytical performance.
3Reliability
If sensitive biomarker detection is achieved, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes porous or structured solid support materials within the biochip that provide high surface area for biomarker capture. These materials enhance detection sensitivity and reliability through their inherent physical properties rather than requiring extremely tight manufacturing tolerances, making the system more robust to manufacturing variations.
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 rapid, sensitive, and cost-effective detection of biomarkers in biofluids, facilitating point-of-care diagnostics for various diseases by quantifying biomarker levels within minutes using impedance measurements and machine learning techniques.
Implementation Method 1
A solid support may be adapted to increase the solid support's affinity for a biomarker associated with a disease, disorder, and/or condition
Implementation Method 2
An impedance of the test sample may be based on the signal being sent by the first electrode and being received by the second electrode when the test sample is located adjacent to the first and second electrodes
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein are methods, systems and devices for rapidly detecting biomarkers in a biological sample.