CMOS Biological Particle Sensing for Portable Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing biological particle analysis apparatuses are large and lack portability, necessitating the development of a portable and hand-portable biological sensing apparatus for analyzing particles in fluent materials.
Innovation Solution
A biological sensing apparatus integrated with a semiconductor fabrication process, such as CMOS, that includes a flow arrangement for fluent material and a particle sensing apparatus to detect electrical properties of particles using electrode pairs and stimulation apparatus to apply electric fields, enabling portable and label-free analysis of particles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional biological particle analysis apparatus are used, then multi-parametric analysis of particles can be achieved, but the apparatus size becomes large and portability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple sensing functions (electrical permittivity sensing, electrodynamic field sensing, optical detection) into a single integrated sensor array that can analyze multiple particle parameters simultaneously. This consolidation enables multi-parametric analysis while maintaining a compact apparatus size suitable for portability.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensing apparatus is designed with multi-functional capabilities to perform electrical permittivity measurement, electrodynamic field sensing, and optical detection using a single integrated system. This universal approach allows the compact apparatus to achieve comprehensive multi-parametric analysis without requiring separate specialized devices.
2Measurement precision
If fluorochrome labeling is used for particle detection, then particle detection sensitivity is improved, but the analysis process becomes more complex and requires additional reagents
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical permittivity sensing apparatus enables label-free particle detection by measuring the inherent electrical properties of particles themselves. This self-service approach eliminates the need for external fluorochrome labels and complex staining protocols, reducing both reagent requirements and procedural complexity while maintaining detection sensitivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the chemical/biological labeling system (fluorochromes) with an electrical field-based sensing system. By substituting mechanical/chemical interaction with electrical field interaction, the apparatus achieves label-free detection that simplifies the analysis process while maintaining or improving detection capability.
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 apparatus allows for portable and efficient analysis of biological particles, differentiating cell types and determining their characteristics through electrical permittivity and electrodynamic field sensing, with the ability to characterize particles down to nanoscale dimensions.
Implementation Method 1
The particle sensing apparatus is configured to sense an electric field present in the fluent material
Implementation Method 2
A stimulus applied to the fluent material comprises an electric field
Implementation Method 3
The flow arrangement may be configured to draw the fluent material through the flow arrangement by way of capillary action
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to biological sensing apparatus (12) which is configured to sense particles comprised in fluent material. The biological sensing apparatus (12) comprises particle sensing apparatus (32) comprised in an integrated circuit formed by a semiconductor fabrication process, the particle sensing apparatus being configured to sense an electrical property. The biological sensing apparatus further comprises a flow arrangement 30configured to contain and provide for flow of fluent material. The particle sensing apparatus (32) is disposed relative to the flow arrangement (30) such that the particle sensing apparatus is operative to sense an electrical property of particles comprised in the fluent material as the fluent material flows through the flow arrangement.