Cantilever Pair Analyte Detection Device

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing analyte detection devices face challenges in distinguishing analyte interactions from mechanical and chemical interference in sample liquids, particularly in body fluids, requiring improved methods for selective analyte detection and continuous monitoring without surgical intervention.

Innovation Solution

A device featuring a capillary system to supply sample liquid to a measuring chamber containing a pair of cantilevers, where a test cantilever selectively records analytes and a reference cantilever does not, allowing for relative deformation measurement and analyte detection, with a microelectronic circuit for signal processing and a compact, portable design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single cantilever is used to detect analytes in sample liquid, then the device structure is simple, but mechanical interference and chemical substances in the sample liquid cannot be distinguished from analyte interactions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice structureVSAvoidanalyte detection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The single cantilever detection system is segmented into two independent cantilevers: a test cantilever coated with analyte-specific receptors and a reference cantilever without such coating. This segmentation allows the system to separately measure analyte-specific interactions while compensating for non-specific mechanical and chemical interference from the sample liquid.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The reference cantilever acts as an intermediary that experiences the same mechanical and chemical environment as the test cantilever but lacks the specific analyte-binding capability. By comparing the responses of both cantilevers, the system isolates the analyte-specific signal from background interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If continuous monitoring of body fluids is required, then time resolution of body values can be achieved, but the device must be implantable or wearable without surgical intervention

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetime resolution of body valuesVSAvoidattachment to patient
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The cantilever detection system is nested within a compact sensor device housing that integrates sample introduction, measurement chamber, and signal processing components. This nested structure enables the device to be miniaturized for wearable or implantable applications while maintaining continuous monitoring capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The device incorporates self-contained sample introduction mechanisms and integrated signal processing electronics that operate autonomously once attached to the patient, enabling continuous monitoring without requiring surgical intervention or complex external support systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

Enables specific and continuous analyte detection with reduced background noise, allowing for time-resolved monitoring of analyte presence and concentration in body fluids without surgical intervention, and is suitable for wearable applications.

Implementation Method 1

the test cantilever is configured to selectively absorb the analyte from the sample

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSelective uptake/absorption: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 2

the selective uptake of the analyte by the test cantilever and the selective non-uptake by the reference cantilever causes a relative deformation of the test cantilever to the reference cantilever

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDeformation: Deformation

Data Source

PatentEP4328588A1Device for detecting at least one analyte in a sample
Publication Date: 2024.02.28 DIGID GMBH
  • EP4328588A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4328588A1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP4328588A1 patent drawingFigure 2B~2C

AI summary

The present invention relates to a device (1) for detecting at least one analyte (90) in a sample (9), comprising at least one capillary (3), at least one measuring chamber (2), and at least one cantilever pair (4), wherein the capillary (3) is configured to extract a sample (9) and supply it to the measuring chamber (2), wherein the measuring chamber (2) is configured to collect the sample (9) and make it available to the cantilever pair (4), and wherein the cantilever pair (4) comprises a reference cantilever (42) and a test cantilever (40), wherein the test cantilever (40) is configured to selectively absorb the analyte (90) from the sample (9), and wherein the reference cantilever (42) is configured to selectively exclude the analyte (90) from the sample (9).wherein the selective uptake of the analyte (90) by the test cantilever (40) and the selective non-uptake by the reference cantilever (42) causes a relative deformation and/or a relative change in the surface tension of the test cantilever (40) relative to the reference cantilever (42), and wherein the analyte (90) is detected by the relative deformation and/or the relative change in the surface tension of the test cantilever (40) relative to the reference cantilever (42).