Semiconductor Biosensor Temperature Control for Detection Sensitivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current biosensors face challenges in enhancing the binding of analytes to detector molecules, particularly at low temperatures, which affects detection sensitivity and efficiency in applications like food safety, personalized medicine, and disease verification.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a semiconductor sensor with a heater and temperature measuring device allows for controlled temperature adjustment, enhancing the binding of analytes to detector molecules by maintaining the temperature within a target range, thereby improving detection sensitivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If temperature is not controlled in biosensor operation, then device complexity is reduced, but detection sensitivity deteriorates due to poor analyte binding at low temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the heater and temperature measuring device into an integrated temperature control module that is directly coupled with the semiconductor sensor. This merging allows the biosensor to actively control temperature for enhanced analyte binding while maintaining a compact, unified structure that minimizes additional complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the temperature parameter of the biosensor environment by introducing active heating capability. The heater can adjust the temperature to optimal ranges for analyte binding, transforming the sensor's operational characteristics to improve detection sensitivity without requiring complex external temperature control systems.
2Measurement precision
If heating is applied to enhance analyte binding, then detection sensitivity improves, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the temperature measuring device continuously monitors the sensor temperature and adjusts the heater operation accordingly. This feedback control ensures heating is applied only when and where needed to maintain optimal binding conditions, minimizing unnecessary energy consumption while preserving detection sensitivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial heating action by using the integrated heater to provide just enough thermal energy to achieve optimal analyte binding temperatures. Rather than continuous or excessive heating, the system applies heat selectively to reach the target temperature range for enhanced binding, then maintains or reduces heating as conditions dictate, optimizing energy efficiency.
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 increases the Debye length and enhances signal measurement, leading to improved detection capabilities and efficiency in identifying biological agents, including biomolecules, in various medical and biological applications.
Implementation Method 1
The heater is configured to heat the semiconductor sensor based at least in part on a temperature measured by the temperature measuring device
Implementation Method 2
The step of measuring the temperature comprises measuring an electrical property of a temperature measuring device integrated with the semiconductor sensor. The electrical property of the temperature measuring device is selected from the group comprising resistance, voltage, current, and conductance
Implementation Method 3
The specific binding or reaction between the binding molecule and the analyte can introduce a signal that is then transduced and measured
Implementation Method 4
The semiconductor sensor may comprise one or more nanowires. The semiconductor sensor may comprise a field effect transistor
Data Source
AI summary
Semiconductor-based sensor devices and methods for detection of biological agents are described herein.