CMOS Metabolite Sensor Array for Simultaneous Multi-Analyte Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current metabolite detection techniques require bulky and expensive equipment, limiting their use to hospitals and laboratories, and are not suitable for simultaneous detection of multiple metabolites in a single sample, which is essential for accurate disease identification.
Innovation Solution
A CMOS-based chip with multiple sensing modalities that can detect multiple metabolites simultaneously in a single sample using a compact, handheld device, combining optical and chemical sensors to measure different properties of the test material without cross-talk, enabling real-time detection of multiple metabolites in a small-scale point-of-care device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If mass spectrometry or NMR spectroscopy is used for metabolite detection, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensing modalities (optical sensors, electrochemical sensors, and mass sensing elements) into a single integrated sensor array on one chip. This merging approach enables simultaneous detection of multiple metabolites using simpler, smaller-scale sensors rather than requiring complex standalone instruments like mass spectrometers or NMR spectrometers, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor array is designed with universal sensing elements that can detect multiple different metabolites through various sensing mechanisms (optical, electrochemical, mass-based). Each sensing element can respond to different analytes, allowing a single multi-functional chip to replace multiple specialized detection devices, thus reducing overall system complexity and cost
2Productivity
If multiple metabolites are detected simultaneously in a single sample, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is segmented into multiple independent sensing elements arranged in an array on a single chip. Each sensing element can independently detect a specific metabolite or property, allowing simultaneous parallel measurement of multiple metabolites in one sample. This segmentation enables high productivity through parallel processing while keeping individual sensor elements simple and manageable
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from sequential detection (one metabolite at a time) to simultaneous detection by adding the dimension of spatial parallelism. Multiple sensing elements are positioned in an array configuration, enabling concurrent measurements across different spatial locations on the chip, thereby increasing productivity without requiring complex temporal multiplexing or sequential analysis
3Ease of operation
If a portable point-of-care device is created, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sensing modalities (optical, electrochemical, mass sensing) are merged into a single integrated chip, enabling portable device configuration. The combination of different sensing mechanisms on one compact platform maintains measurement precision through multi-parameter detection while achieving the portability and ease of operation required for point-of-care use
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces bulky mechanical and optical instrumentation (mass spectrometers, NMR spectrometers) with miniaturized sensor elements that can be integrated into portable devices. By substituting complex mechanical systems with compact solid-state and optical sensors on a chip, the system achieves portability while preserving measurement precision through direct analytical detection
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 simultaneous detection of multiple metabolites in a single sample using a low-cost, portable device, reducing the need for expensive equipment and facilitating rapid point-of-care diagnostics without cross-talk between signals, thus improving disease identification and monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
a spectral absorption detector arranged to detect a change in absorption of the test material
Implementation Method 2
a pH sensor arranged to detect a change in pH in the test material caused by a first metabolite-enzyme reaction
Data Source
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Figure 3~4
AI summary
A CMOS-based chip having multiple sensing modalities that are able independently to detect multiple metabolites (for example cholesterol and glucose) present in a sample. In particular, the chip provides multiple sensing modalities capable of performing detection within the same physical test volume, i.e. the chip can simultaneously detect a plurality of chemical reactions occurring in the test volume, where each chemical reaction yields a result that is independently detectable. The chip may comprise an optical sensor (e.g. photodiode) and a chemical sensor (e.g. pH sensor, embodied as an ISFET). With this technique, multiple metabolites may be measured in real time using a small scale point-of-care device.