Biocompatible Surface for Quantum Sensing via Adhesion Layer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for biologically meaningful quantum sensing on a nanometer scale face challenges in immobilizing target biomolecules within the sensing range of a qubit sensor, such as near-surface nitrogen vacancy (NV) sensors, due to charge instability and difficulty in functionalizing oxygen-terminated diamond surfaces, which hampers applications in nanoscale nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy.
Innovation Solution
A device with a substrate having color centers, an adhesion layer, and a functionalized layer is developed, where the adhesion layer includes an oxide like Al2O3 or TiO2, and the functionalized layer is configured with capture agents to immobilize biomolecules within the sensing range of NV sensors, enabling precise control over biomolecule capture and maintaining coherence times suitable for quantum sensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If oxygen-terminated diamond surfaces are used for quantum sensing, then charge stability of NV sensors is improved, but functionalization capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an adhesion layer as an intermediary between the oxygen-terminated diamond substrate and the functionalized layer. This adhesion layer enables chemical functionalization while preserving the charge stability provided by the oxygen-terminated surface, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and ease of manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structure combining the oxygen-terminated diamond substrate with an adhesion layer and functionalized layer. This composite material approach allows the system to simultaneously exhibit charge stability from the diamond surface and functionalization capability from the added layers, resolving the contradiction between these two properties.
2Measurement precision
If biomolecules are immobilized within sensing range of NV sensors, then measurement precision is improved, but coherence time deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a functionalized layer with specific capture agents only in regions where biomolecule immobilization is needed, while maintaining the underlying oxygen-terminated diamond surface that provides long coherence times. This localized functionalization allows precise measurement without compromising overall coherence time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the thickness and composition of the functionalized layer to achieve a balance between bringing biomolecules into the sensing range (improving measurement precision) and minimizing the impact on NV center coherence time. By carefully controlling layer parameters, both detection sensitivity and coherence time are maintained at acceptable levels.
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
The solution allows for precise control over biomolecule immobilization and maintains long coherence times, enabling sensitive quantum sensing and potentially enabling the detection of individual biomolecules with improved integration times and stability under physiological conditions.
Implementation Method 1
the adhesion layer includes an oxide (e.g., a silanizable oxide, an aluminum oxide, a silicon oxide, a titanium oxide)
Implementation Method 2
one or more color centers in proximity to the top surface... nitrogen vacancy (NV) sensors... enabling the detection of individual biomolecules
Implementation Method 3
the functionalized layer includes one or more capture agents configured to capture a target
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a device having various layers that are supported on a substrate having one or more color centers. Such layers can include one or more capture agents configured to capture a target. Methods of making and using such devices are also described herein.