Biological Material Detection via Recognition Molecule Ion Current Waveform
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for detecting biological materials, such as bacteria, viruses, and proteins, face challenges in distinguishing samples of similar size and shape due to rapid passage through detection pores, leading to difficulties in accurate identification.
Innovation Solution
A device and method that form specific molecules within a through-hole in a substrate, allowing the biological material to interact with these molecules as it passes through, which lengthens the passage time and alters the ion current waveform, enabling identification based on these changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the through-hole thickness is made thinner than the sample to enable shape-based detection, then the measurement precision improves, but the sample passage time becomes too short to allow for interaction-based identification
Solution Approach 1:
A recognition molecule is introduced as an intermediary element within the through-hole to mediate the interaction between the sample and the detection system. The molecule specifically binds to target samples, causing them to pause or interact longer within the pore, thereby extending the passage time without requiring changes to the pore dimensions. This enables both shape-based and interaction-based identification simultaneously.
2Device complexity
If conventional ion current detection is used without interaction molecules, then the device complexity remains low, but the ability to identify samples of similar size and shape is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of making the entire detection system complex, the recognition molecules are localized specifically within the through-hole region where sample detection occurs. This localized approach provides enhanced identification capability precisely where needed, while keeping the rest of the device structure simple and maintaining ease of manufacture.
3Productivity
If the sample passes through the through-hole rapidly, then the productivity is high, but the waveform changes are insufficient for accurate sample identification
Solution Approach 1:
The recognition molecule creates periodic or staged interaction patterns as the sample passes through the through-hole. The sample may bind, pause, translocate, and release in distinct phases, generating characteristic waveform patterns with multiple peaks or segments. This periodic interaction pattern provides richer information for identification while maintaining overall detection throughput.
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 accurate identification of biological materials by analyzing the waveform of the ion current, even when samples are of similar size, by differentiating their interaction times and waveforms, thereby overcoming the limitations of previous detection methods.
Implementation Method 1
measure the ion current when a sample passes through pores (micropores) formed in a substrate such as silicon
Implementation Method 2
molecules that interact with a sample are formed in a through-hole through which the sample passes, whereby the sample passes through the through-hole while interacting with the molecule
Data Source
AI summary
A device for biological material detection includes a substrate; a through-hole through which a biological material to be tested passes, the through-hole being formed in the substrate; a molecule that interacts with the biological material to be tested passing through, the molecule being formed in the through-hole; a first chamber member that forms, with at least the surface including the through-hole on one surface side of the substrate, a first chamber to be filled with electrolyte; and a second chamber member that forms, with at least the surface including the through-hole on the other surface side of the substrate, a second chamber to be filled with electrolyte. The biological material to be tested is identified by the waveform of the ion current (passage time, shape, etc.) when the biological material to be tested passes through the through-hole.