Semiconductor Biosensor Nanopipette Ionic Current Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current diagnostic methods for detecting SARS-COV-2, such as PCR swab tests, are slow, inefficient, and prone to inaccuracies, making them unsuitable for mass screening and asymptomatic detection.
Innovation Solution
A semiconductor biosensor using SOI MEMS technology and nanopipette principles, which employs atomic level deposition to create alumina electrodes that detect changes in electrical current caused by antibody-antigen reactions, allowing for rapid and accurate detection of SARS-COV-2.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If PCR swab tests are used for pathogen detection, then test accuracy is improved, but testing time and efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential detection function from the complex PCR process by using nanopipettes to directly detect antibody-antigen binding events. This eliminates the need for time-consuming DNA amplification cycles while maintaining detection accuracy, reducing testing time from hours to minutes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/chemical PCR amplification system with an electrical detection system using nanopipettes. The nanopipettes measure changes in ionic current caused by antibody-antigen binding, substituting the lengthy biochemical amplification process with a rapid electrical measurement that achieves comparable accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If PCR swab tests are used for pathogen detection, then test accuracy is improved, but productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The nanopipette system performs self-service by directly detecting antibody-antigen binding events without requiring external amplification steps. The ionic current measurement automatically occurs as samples are introduced, eliminating the need for multiple manual processing steps and enabling high-throughput testing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from DNA amplification quantity (PCR) to ionic current changes (nanopipette). This parameter change enables rapid detection without the need for multiple amplification cycles, dramatically increasing testing throughput and productivity while maintaining accuracy.
3Ease of operation
If temperature scanning is used for screening, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The nanopipette acts as an intermediary between the simple temperature scanning operation and the complex pathogen detection requirement. It translates the ease of sample introduction into accurate electrical measurements of antibody-antigen binding, maintaining both operational simplicity and detection precision.
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 enables rapid detection of SARS-COV-2 in under 30 seconds, improving test accuracy and efficiency, making it suitable for mass screening in various settings such as schools, workplaces, and healthcare facilities.
Implementation Method 1
employs atomic level deposition to create alumina electrodes that detect changes in electrical current caused by antibody-antigen reactions
Data Source
AI summary
An atomic level deposition for mass functionalization of a cavity filled with a pathogen sensitive antibody reagent to functionalize each biosensor using atomic level vapor phase deposition enables high volume production of this sensor technology. A biosensor has a first substrate and a second substrate with a cavity formed in the first substrate to form a membrane. Holes are formed through the second substrate. An aluminum oxide layer is formed over the cavity and into the holes to form cores. The cavity is filled with a pathogen sensitive antibody reagent. A biofluid sample with the pathogen is deposited over the membrane. The biofluid is drawn through the cores to mix with the antibody reagent. The antibodies combine with the pathogen to change the impedance along the current path. The presence of the pathogen changes the ionic current flow through the biosensor for a positive detection of the pathogen.