Diffractive Analyte Sensor Using Visible Binding Pattern Changes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for detecting target analytes such as viruses or bacteria are either too complex and time-consuming or lack reliability and sensitivity, posing challenges in rapid, simple, and reproducible detection.
Innovation Solution
A diffractive sensor utilizing a diffractive grating with a receptor layer that binds selectively to target analytes, producing distinct diffraction images visible to the naked eye, allowing for rapid and reliable detection by comparing diffraction patterns before and after analyte binding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex laboratory tests are used for detection, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical laboratory equipment with an optical detection system based on diffraction gratings. The sensor uses optical interference patterns to detect target analytes, substituting sophisticated mechanical testing devices with a simpler optical system that maintains high detection reliability through physical optical principles rather than complex mechanical operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes color changes in diffraction patterns as indicators of target analyte detection. The sensor produces visible color changes in the diffraction image when target analytes are present, allowing reliable detection through simple visual observation or basic imaging equipment rather than complex analytical instruments.
2Reliability
If complex laboratory tests are used for detection, then reliability is improved, but detection time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates preliminary action by pre-functionalizing the sensor surface with specific receptors (such as antibodies or aptamers) that are ready to bind target analytes immediately upon contact with the sample. This pre-preparation of the detection surface eliminates time-consuming sample processing steps and enables rapid detection while maintaining high reliability through specific molecular recognition.
3Productivity
If rapid tests are used for detection, then detection time is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional one-dimensional colorimetric detection to two-dimensional diffraction pattern analysis. By utilizing the spatial distribution of diffraction intensities across multiple orders and angles, the system achieves enhanced measurement precision and sensitivity while maintaining rapid detection capability. The diffraction image contains richer information dimensions that improve detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from simple color intensity to the spatial distribution pattern of diffraction intensities. By analyzing the positions, intensities, and patterns of multiple diffraction orders rather than a single color metric, the system achieves higher measurement precision and sensitivity while maintaining rapid detection through optical physics rather than complex biochemical assays.
4Reliability
If colorimetric sensors with plasmonic layers are used, then detection capability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a disposable sensor design where the diffractive grating structure can be manufactured using simple, low-cost techniques such as photolithography or self-assembly methods on inexpensive substrates. The sensor is designed for single-use application, eliminating the need for complex manufacturing processes and expensive materials, while maintaining reliable detection capability through the fundamental optical diffraction effect that is insensitive to material imperfections.
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, reliable, and reproducible detection of target analytes through visible diffraction image changes, facilitating simple and accurate identification without the need for sophisticated equipment.
Implementation Method 1
a diffractive sensor for sensing a target analyte... which comprises a diffractive layer... comprising a diffractive grating... such that, if a beam of light is passed through said sensor, this beam of light produces a diffraction image
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a diffractive sensor for sensing a target analyte. The diffractive sensor may include a diffractive layer having a plurality of surface regions equal to each other and having a maximum dimension between 5 μm and 50 μm. Each surface region may comprise a diffractive grating provided with grooves having a depth less than 200 nm. The diffractive sensor may also include a receptor layer, overlapping the diffractive layer, and configured to be selectively 10 bonded to the target analyte.