Dual BAW Resonator Sensing for Wider Analyte Detection Range
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Solution Overview
Problem
Diagnostic testing for analytes in medical and veterinary fields often requires long response times, expensive equipment, large sample sizes, and is limited by sensitivity and reproducibility, especially in point-of-care settings, with high direct costs and separate systems for each test.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising low and high sensitivity bulk acoustic wave (BAW) resonator sensors with immobilized recognition components, amplification elements, and actuation and measurement circuitry for enhanced sensitivity and dynamic range, using molecular recognition and signal amplification through enzyme-mediated mass addition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single high sensitivity BAW resonator sensor is used, then sensitivity is improved, but the dynamic range is limited and cannot accommodate both low and high concentration analytes
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the sensing function into two separate BAW resonator sensors: a high sensitivity sensor for detecting low concentration analytes and a low sensitivity sensor for detecting high concentration analytes. Each sensor is optimized with appropriate recognition component densities to handle specific concentration ranges, thereby expanding the overall dynamic range while maintaining high sensitivity for low concentration detection.
2Loss of time
If point of use testing is implemented, then response time is reduced, but sensitivity and reproducibility are limited compared to laboratory testing
Solution Approach 1:
The system combines multiple sensing mechanisms into a single point-of-use platform: BAW resonator sensors for mass detection, enzyme-linked amplification for signal enhancement, and dual-sensor architecture for extended dynamic range. This integration achieves laboratory-grade sensitivity and reproducibility in a portable format, enabling rapid point-of-care testing without sacrificing measurement precision.
3Reliability
If separate systems are used for each point of use test, then test specificity is maintained, but device complexity and direct costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a universal BAW resonator platform that can detect multiple different analytes by simply changing the recognition components (antibodies, antigens, nucleic acids) immobilized on the sensor surfaces. The dual-sensor architecture with enzyme-linked amplification serves as a multi-functional core that maintains test specificity for different analytes while reducing overall system complexity and cost compared to having separate dedicated systems for each test.
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
Enhances sensitivity and expands the dynamic range of analyte detection, allowing for rapid, cost-effective, and reproducible point-of-care testing with reduced equipment costs and sample size.
Implementation Method 1
bulk acoustic wave (BAW) resonator sensor comprising a surface to which a low recognition component is immobilized
Implementation Method 2
actuation circuitry configured to drive the low and high BAW resonator sensors in an oscillating motion
Implementation Method 3
an amplification element-linked second recognition component is bound
Data Source
AI summary
Devices that include a low sensitivity bulk acoustic wave (BAW) resonator sensor including a surface to which a low recognition component is immobilized, the low recognition component being configured to selectively bind the analyte, an analyte molecule to which a tag is linked, or a tag, or any one of these molecules to which an amplification element-linked second recognition component is bound; a high sensitivity BAW resonator sensor including a surface to which a high recognition component is immobilized, the high recognition component being configured to selectively bind the analyte, an analyte molecule to which a tag is linked, or a tag, or any one of these molecules to which an amplification element-linked second recognition component is bound; one or more containers housing an amplification molecule, the amplification element-linked second recognition component, and optionally one or both of the tag and the analyte molecule.