Contact-free Biosensor Recess Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current biosensors face challenges in accurately identifying and analyzing liquids without direct contact, particularly in lab-on-a-chip solutions, where changes in permittivity are reflected as changes in capacitance, and there is a need for efficient non-contact methods to observe unique permittivity signatures of biomatter.
Innovation Solution
The development of contact-free biosensors that utilize a recess in a silicon substrate with an intermediate layer to position transistors or passive devices above the recess, allowing for time-varying electromagnetic field sensing without direct contact with the fluid, using microfluidic channels to obtain permittivity signatures of molecular species.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If contact-free biosensors are used to analyze liquids without direct contact, then reliability is improved by preventing contamination and enabling non-invasive analysis, but measurement precision may be affected by the intermediate layer separating the sensor from the fluid
Solution Approach 1:
An intermediate layer is introduced between the biosensor and the fluid sample to prevent direct contact while allowing electromagnetic field interaction. This mediator layer enables non-invasive analysis without complete isolation, maintaining measurement capability through controlled electromagnetic coupling.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes changes in electromagnetic field parameters (frequency, amplitude, phase) to detect permittivity variations in the fluid. By monitoring how the intermediate layer and fluid affect these parameters, the system achieves both non-contact operation and measurement precision.
2Reliability
If an intermediate layer is positioned along the recess to separate the biosensor from the fluid, then reliability is improved through non-contact sensing, but device complexity increases due to additional structural components
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate layer serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a physical separator preventing direct contact, provides structural support for the biosensor positioning, and enables electromagnetic field transmission. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate layer is positioned within the recess structure, nesting the separation function within the existing sensor housing. This integration approach incorporates the intermediate layer without adding external structural complexity.
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
This approach enables accurate and non-invasive analysis of fluids by allowing time-varying electromagnetic fields to pass through, providing redundancy and validation of results, and allowing for simultaneous analysis of test and control fluids, enhancing the reliability and precision of bio-sensing.
Implementation Method 1
subject biomatter to time-varying electromagnetic fields to obtain a permittivity signature of the biomatter
Implementation Method 2
observe the unique permittivity signatures of the biomatter without having to directly contact the fluid under test. Permittivity (in the framework of electromagnetics) is a fundamental material property that describes how a material will affect, and be affected by, a time-varying electromagnetic field
Data Source
AI summary
A structure includes a first layer having a recess. The structure further includes an intermediate layer contacting the first layer and a contact-free biosensor aligned above the recess. The portion of the intermediate layer that is positioned along the recess separates the contact-free biosensor from the recess.