Biosensor Filter Layer for Fluorescent Signal Crosstalk Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fluorescent-detection protocols face challenges such as high costs and large benchtop footprints due to the need for complex optical systems. Additionally, solid-state imaging systems struggle with distinguishing fluorescent emissions from excitation light and managing crosstalk as analyte density increases.
Innovation Solution
A biosensor system is developed, featuring a flow cell mounted to a detection device with a detector surface having multiple reaction sites. The system includes a filter layer with light-absorbing material between filter walls, which filters out excitation signals and allows fluorescent signals to pass through, while also blocking unwanted emissions from adjacent reaction sites.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional optical systems are used for fluorescent detection, then detection capability is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the filtering function from a complex optical system and implements it through a simplified filter layer integrated with the solid-state imager. The filter layer contains light-absorbing material that selectively absorbs excitation light wavelengths while transmitting fluorescent emission wavelengths, eliminating the need for complex lens arrangements, filters, and light sources required in conventional optical systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical system (lenses, filters, light sources) with a solid-state electronic detection system. The solid-state imager with integrated filter layer directly detects fluorescent signals without requiring complex optical components, substituting mechanical/optical mechanisms with electronic detection while maintaining measurement precision.
2Device complexity
If solid-state imaging systems are used, then device complexity is reduced, but ability to distinguish fluorescent emissions from excitation light deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a filter layer as an intermediary component between the reaction sites and the solid-state imager. This filter layer contains light-absorbing material that acts as a mediator to selectively absorb excitation light wavelengths and transmit fluorescent emission wavelengths, enabling the solid-state imager to distinguish fluorescent signals from excitation light without requiring complex optical systems.
3Productivity
If analyte density on solid-state imager increases, then analysis capacity improves, but crosstalk between adjacent reaction sites increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making different parts of the filter layer have different properties. The filter layer contains light-absorbing material distributed in a pattern that corresponds to the arrangement of reaction sites, with each region optimized to filter excitation light and transmit fluorescent signals from its corresponding reaction site while blocking signals from adjacent sites, thereby reducing crosstalk.
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 biosensor system effectively reduces the complexity and cost of detection systems by integrating a compact filter layer that enhances signal detection and minimizes crosstalk, allowing for efficient analysis of fluorescent signals from multiple reaction sites.
Implementation Method 1
The light-absorbing material configured to prevent transmission of excitation signals
Implementation Method 2
The filter walls are configured to reflect the fluorescent signals
Implementation Method 3
an optical system is used to direct an excitation light onto fluorescently-labeled analytes and to also detect the fluorescent signals that may emit from the analytes
Data Source
AI summary
A biosensor is provided including a detection device and a flow cell mounted to the detection device. The detection device has a detector surface with a plurality of reaction sites. The detection device also includes a filter layer. A method is providing including obtaining signal data from an array of light detectors; determining a crosstalk function for each of the light detectors of the array of light detectors; and determining characteristics of analytes of interest based on the signal data using the crosstalk functions.