Biosensing Light Guide for Supercritical Angle Collection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical measurement techniques in diagnostic assays face challenges in distinguishing light from surface-bound analytes from bulk solution analytes, require complex alignment processes, and are limited by the number of luminescent markers that can be employed in multiplex assays.
Innovation Solution
A biosensing device with a light guiding layer that collects and guides supercritical angle light by total internal reflections, spatially separating it from undercritical angle light, allowing for efficient light collection and detection without interference, and enabling multiplexed measurements using a simple alignment process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If optical measurement techniques are used to study samples, then luminescence and scattering properties of analytes can be detected, but light from surface-bound analytes cannot be distinguished from light from bulk solution analytes
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the light collection process into two distinct pathways: critical angle light collection for surface-bound analytes and bulk solution light collection through the light guide. This spatial segmentation allows independent detection of surface-bound analytes without interference from bulk solution analytes, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and harmful interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The light guide acts as an intermediary element that selectively transmits critical angle light from the surface-bound analytes while blocking bulk solution light. This intermediary mechanism enables specific detection of surface-bound analytes by mediating the light path to exclude harmful interference from bulk solution analytes.
2Ease of operation
If disposable sample holders are used in diagnostic assays, then ease of use and disposal are improved, but alignment with light source and detector becomes difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The sample holder design incorporates self-aligning features that automatically position the sample holder relative to the light source and detector without requiring manual alignment adjustments. This self-service mechanism maintains ease of operation while eliminating time-consuming alignment procedures, allowing rapid processing of disposable sample holders.
Solution Approach 2:
The sample holder is pre-configured with alignment features during manufacturing that establish the correct geometric relationship between the sample compartment, light source, and detector before use. This preliminary action eliminates the need for time-consuming alignment during operation, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and time loss.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple luminescent markers are used in multiplex assays, then detection capability is improved, but the number of markers that can be employed is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the detection system into multiple independent detection channels, each capable of detecting different luminescent markers simultaneously. This segmentation enables multiplexing with multiple markers by creating separate optical pathways and detection zones, overcoming the limitation of using only a few markers in traditional single-channel assays.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds spatial dimensionality to the detection system by utilizing multiple detection zones and optical pathways arranged in different spatial dimensions. This dimensional expansion allows simultaneous detection of multiple luminescent markers that would traditionally be limited to a small number due to spectral overlap, thereby improving adaptability while increasing the quantity of detectable markers.
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 device provides high throughput, low light loss, and improved signal-to-noise ratio, enabling simultaneous detection of multiple analytes with reduced alignment complexity and enhanced accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
the light guiding layer is configured to collect supercritical angle light from the sample light emitted by or formed by scattering by the analyte bound to the bioreceptor at the sensing surface, and configured to guide the supercritical angle light along an extension of the light guiding layer by total internal reflections in the first and second surfaces
Implementation Method 2
the light guiding layer further comprises an outcoupling region configured to couple the supercritical angle light through the second surface, out of the light guiding layer, at the outcoupling region
Data Source
AI summary
According to an aspect there is provided a biosensing device for collecting light from a sample.The device comprises a sensing site configured to hold a bioreceptor at a sensing surface, and to receive the sample on the sensing surface. The bioreceptor is configured to bind to an analyte in the sample. The sample light is emitted by or formed by scattering by the analyte bound to the sensing surface.The device comprises a light guiding layer with first surface facing the sensing surface or forming the sensing surface, and having a second surface, opposite to the first surface. The layer is configured to collect supercritical angle light from the sample light of the analyte at the sensing surface, and to guide the light along an extension of the layer by total internal reflections.The layer comprises an outcoupling region for coupling the supercritical angle light through the second surface, out of the layer.