Diffractive Waveguide Grating for Label-Free Biological Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current chemical and biological analysis technologies are unable to develop label-free systems for quantitative analysis in non-specialized settings, struggle to discriminate signal contributions from non-specific interactions, and are not suitable for analyzing complex samples like blood or serum without extensive sample preparation, limiting their effectiveness in real-world applications.
Innovation Solution
A diffractive device featuring a waveguide with a recognition element, comprising a grating with receptors arranged according to Bragg's law, which interacts with target compounds, allowing for real-time measurement and selective analysis of complex samples, and is designed for miniaturization and integration into portable systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional analysis technologies are used, then analysis can be performed in laboratories, but the systems are expensive, complex and not suitable for non-specialized settings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical and optical systems with a biomimetic photonic system that uses structured receptors arranged according to Bragg's law. The system substitutes traditional complex instrumentation with a simplified architecture where biological recognition elements directly interact with light, enabling operation by non-specialized users while maintaining analytical capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is segmented into distinct functional zones: a first area with structured receptors for specific binding, a second area without receptors for reference measurements, and a third area for control. This segmentation allows the system to differentiate between specific and non-specific interactions, enabling simplified operation with complex sample matrices without requiring extensive sample preparation.
2Measurement precision
If conventional analysis methods are used, then measurements can be taken, but they cannot discriminate signal contributions from non-specific interactions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating spatially distinct regions with different functional properties. The first area contains structured receptors that selectively bind target molecules, while the second area lacks receptors and captures only non-specific interactions. By comparing signals from these locally differentiated zones, the system precisely discriminates specific from non-specific binding without adding overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The structured receptors act as intermediaries that mediate between the incident light and the analyte molecules. Their periodic arrangement according to Bragg's law provides a structured interaction zone that enhances specific binding signals while the receptor-free zone provides a reference for non-specific interactions, enabling precise signal discrimination through this intermediary structure.
3Productivity
If conventional technologies are used, then analysis can be performed, but extensive sample preparation is required for complex samples
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs preliminary action by incorporating a receptor-free reference area that pre-captures non-specific interactions during the measurement process itself. This eliminates the need for preliminary sample preparation steps to account for non-specific binding, as the system proactively measures and compensates for these effects in real-time during analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves universality by designing a multi-functional measurement architecture that simultaneously performs specific detection, non-specific interaction measurement, and reference calibration in a single integrated device. This allows the system to handle diverse complex samples (blood, serum, environmental samples) without requiring sample-specific preparation protocols, thereby increasing productivity across different application domains.
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 label-free, real-time, and selective analysis of complex samples with reduced sample preparation, suitable for miniaturized and portable devices, capable of discriminating non-specific interactions, and adaptable sensitivity for various applications.
Implementation Method 1
a recognition element, in this case a grating with receptors arranged according to Bragg's law
Implementation Method 2
a waveguide with an inlet at one end, an outlet at the opposite end and a test area in the central part
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a diffractive device for chemical and biological analysis based on structured receptors on waveguides, which comprises: a waveguide and a recognition element consisting of a grating with receptors arranged on the waveguide and are intended to interact with target compounds present in a sample; and a radiation source that emits an incident beam propagated through the waveguide, interacting with the recognition element and being diffracted according to Bragg's law, thereby generating a reflected beam and a transmitted beam, which are collected by optical analyzers that record parameters of the reflected beam and of the transmitted beam, enabling multiple analyses to be conducted in a simple, fast, 15 sensitive and quantitative manner, label-free and in real time.