Contoured Reaction Chamber for Biosensor Signal Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting infectious agents in biological samples are time-consuming, expensive, and often require specialized equipment and expertise, making them unsuitable for real-time detection in manufacturing or on-site use, and suffer from low signal-to-noise ratios in biosensor technologies.
Innovation Solution
A portable, self-contained system using a biosensor reagent with living, engineered lymphocytes expressing antibodies and bioluminescent agents, housed in a test cartridge with a contoured reaction chamber and inlet channel, allowing for real-time detection of infectious agents in biological samples without the need for culturing, with improved signal-to-noise ratio and ease of use by general staff.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional culturing methods are used to detect infectious agents, then detection accuracy is improved, but testing time increases significantly and specialized expertise is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical culturing methods with a biosensor-based detection system. The biosensor uses biological elements (antibodies, enzymes, or whole cells) combined with transducer elements to directly detect infectious agents in samples without requiring time-consuming culturing processes, thereby reducing testing time while maintaining detection accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameters by using signal amplification strategies and optimized biosensor configurations. The system employs various transducer mechanisms (optical, electrochemical, piezoelectric) that convert biological interactions into measurable signals, enabling rapid detection within minutes rather than days required by traditional culturing
2Speed
If biosensors are used for rapid detection, then testing speed is improved, but signal-to-noise ratio decreases making results unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functional elements into an integrated biosensor system. It combines specific biological recognition elements (such as antibodies or enzymes) with sensitive transducer elements and signal amplification components, creating a unified system that achieves both rapid response and high signal-to-noise ratio for reliable detection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary signal amplification mechanisms between the biological recognition event and the final detection signal. These intermediaries (such as enzyme labels, fluorescent tags, or catalytic amplification systems) enhance the weak initial signals from pathogen-biosensor interactions, improving signal-to-noise ratio while maintaining rapid detection capability
3Reliability
If traditional testing methods are used, then detection reliability is improved, but device complexity and operational difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the biosensor system to be self-contained and self-explanatory. The device includes automated sample processing, built-in controls, and user-friendly interfaces that guide operators through the testing process, eliminating the need for complex specialized equipment or expert knowledge while maintaining reliable detection results
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the detection system into modular components: a disposable biosensor cartridge containing the biological elements, a separate reader device with transducer and processing electronics, and software for result interpretation. This segmentation allows the complex detection functionality to be distributed across simple, easy-to-use components that can be operated by general staff
4Productivity
If rapid biosensor testing is implemented, then productivity is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable biosensor cartridges that are pre-fabricated with precise biological elements and fluid channels. These single-use cartridges eliminate the need for repeated calibration and maintenance, allowing high testing throughput while the manufacturing precision is achieved once during cartridge production rather than during each testing operation
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 rapid, sensitive, and cost-effective detection of infectious agents in biological samples, such as food products, within minutes, without the need for culturing, improving on-site testing capabilities and reducing the risk of contamination spread.
Implementation Method 1
a biosensor reagent with living, engineered lymphocytes expressing antibodies and bioluminescent agents
Data Source
AI summary
A system for use in rapid sample analysis that includes a biosensor reagent, wherein the biosensor reagent includes living biological cells; a reservoir card, wherein the reservoir card stores the biosensor reagent; and a test cartridge base, wherein the test cartridge base is configured to accept the reservoir card, and wherein the test cartridge base further includes a contoured reaction chamber; and an inlet channel connected to and entering the reaction chamber at a predetermined angle thereto.