DNA Tagged Microparticles for Safe Biosensor Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current biosimulants for testing biosensor networks are unsafe for public exposure, difficult to aerosolize, and lack controllable properties, making them unsuitable for real-world evaluation and calibration of biofluorescence detectors.
Innovation Solution
Development of microsphere simulants comprising a non-toxic carrier and DNA barcode, allowing for safe and controlled aerosolization, with tunable properties such as charge and size, enabling simultaneous multiple releases and unique identification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If biosimulants are used for testing biosensor networks, then testing capability is provided, but safety for public exposure deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates DNA-tagged microparticle simulants that copy the essential detection properties of biological agents without using actual pathogens. These simulants contain DNA barcodes that can be detected by biosensors, providing a safe alternative that maintains testing capability while eliminating public exposure risks associated with real biological agents
Solution Approach 2:
The microparticle simulants are designed as inexpensive, non-biological, biodegradable carriers that can be safely released and disposed of after use. They provide temporary testing capability without the long-term safety concerns of persistent biological agents, allowing public exposure without harm
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional simulants are used, then testing is possible, but ease of aerosolization deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the physical and chemical parameters of the simulants by using non-biological, biodegradable carrier materials with controlled size, shape, and surface properties. These parameter changes enable easy aerosolization while maintaining manufacturing feasibility, resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and ease of aerosolization
3Productivity
If multiple releases are conducted simultaneously, then testing efficiency improves, but difficulty of identification deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the identification system by assigning unique DNA barcodes to different microparticle simulants released from various locations. This segmentation allows simultaneous releases to be distinguished and tracked individually, improving testing efficiency while maintaining simple identification through unique genetic markers
Solution Approach 2:
The DNA barcode acts as an intermediary that simplifies the identification process. Instead of directly tracking complex physical characteristics of multiple simultaneous releases, the system uses DNA barcodes as intermediate identifiers that can be easily detected and differentiated, resolving the contradiction between testing efficiency and identification difficulty
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a product includes a plurality of particles, each particle including: a carrier that includes a non-toxic material; and at least one DNA barcode coupled to the carrier, where the particles each have a diameter in a range from about 1 nanometer to about 100 microns.