Fluorescence Biosensor Light Guides for Crosstalk-Resistant Detection
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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 unwanted light emissions from adjacent analytes, leading to issues like crosstalk.
Innovation Solution
A biosensor system is developed, comprising a flow cell and a detection device with a device base, sensor array of light sensors, and guide array of light guides. The light guides have input regions for receiving excitation light and emissions, with a filter material to filter out excitation light and allow emissions to reach the sensors. A shield layer with apertures is used to block excitation light and reduce crosstalk between adjacent light sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
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 combines the flow cell with the detection device to form an integrated unit. The flow cell is coupled directly to the device base, merging sample preparation and detection functions into a single integrated system, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
Light guides are introduced as intermediary elements between the flow channel and light sensors. These light guides channel and direct light emissions from the flow channel to specific sensors, simplifying the optical path and reducing the need for complex optical components like lenses and mirrors
2Area of stationary object
If solid-state imaging systems are used, then device footprint is reduced, but ability to distinguish fluorescent emissions from excitation light deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the excitation light from the detection path using filter materials. These filters are positioned within the light guides to selectively block excitation light wavelengths while allowing fluorescent emission wavelengths to pass through to the sensors, thereby improving emission detection accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a spectral dimension to the detection by incorporating wavelength-selective filtering. This allows the system to distinguish between excitation and emission light based on their different wavelengths, enabling accurate emission detection with compact solid-state sensors
3Productivity
If analyte density on solid-state imager is increased, then detection throughput is improved, but crosstalk between adjacent analytes increases
Solution Approach 1:
Shield layers with apertures are positioned between the flow channel and device base to block stray light and crosstalk signals. The shield layer extends between adjacent apertures to prevent light emissions from adjacent analytes from reaching each other's sensors, maintaining signal separation accuracy even at high analyte densities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local optical filtering and shielding at each sensor location. Filter materials are positioned within individual light guides, and shield layers are configured with specific aperture patterns to provide localized protection against crosstalk, allowing high-density analyte arrays to be detected with minimal interference
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 the detection device with the flow cell, improving the ability to distinguish fluorescent emissions from excitation light, and minimizing crosstalk, thereby enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of biological or chemical analysis.
Implementation Method 1
The light guides have a filter material that is configured to filter the excitation light and permit the light emissions to propagate toward the corresponding light sensors
Implementation Method 2
The shield layer extends between adjacent apertures and is configured to block the excitation light and the light emissions incident on the shield layer between the adjacent apertures
Implementation Method 3
The light guides extend into the device base from the input regions toward corresponding light sensors
Implementation Method 4
The flow cell and the detection device form a flow channel that is configured to have biological or chemical substances therein that generate light emissions in response to an excitation light
Data Source
AI summary
Biosensor including a device base having a sensor array of light sensors and a guide array of light guides. The light guides have input regions that are configured to receive excitation light and light emissions generated by biological or chemical substances. The light guides extend into the device base toward corresponding light sensors and have a filter material. The device base includes device circuitry electrically coupled to the light sensors and configured to transmit data signals. A passivation layer extends over the device base and forms an array of reaction recesses above the light guides. The biosensor also includes peripheral crosstalk shields that at least partially surround corresponding light guides of the guide array to reduce optical crosstalk between adjacent light sensors.