Dual BAW Resonator Sensing for Wider Dynamic Range
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Solution Overview
Problem
Diagnostic testing for analytes often requires large sample sizes, expensive equipment, long response times, and is limited by sensitivity and reproducibility in point-of-care settings, with existing point-of-use solutions being costly and lacking in dynamic range.
Innovation Solution
A system using two thin film bulk acoustic wave (BAW) resonators with different sensitivities, one high and one low, combined with molecular recognition and enzyme-mediated signal amplification, to enhance sensitivity and expand the dynamic range of detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single BAW resonator with high sensitivity is used, then sensitivity is improved, but the dynamic range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the sensing function into multiple specialized resonators. One resonator is optimized for high sensitivity detection of low analyte concentrations, while another is optimized for detecting high analyte concentrations. This segmentation allows each resonator to excel at its specific concentration range without compromise, resolving the contradiction between sensitivity and dynamic range.
Solution Approach 2:
Each BAW resonator is configured with different local qualities - specifically different sensitivity characteristics tailored to specific concentration ranges. The first resonator has high sensitivity characteristics for low concentrations, while the second has lower sensitivity characteristics suited for high concentrations. This local quality differentiation enables the system to maintain optimal performance across the entire dynamic range.
2Loss of time
If point of use diagnostic solutions are implemented, then response time and accessibility are improved, but sensitivity and reproducibility are reduced compared to laboratory testing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex laboratory mechanical and chemical diagnostic systems with a compact BAW resonator-based acoustic sensing system. The BAW resonators detect analytes through mass changes that affect resonant frequency, eliminating the need for complex reagents, multiple test systems, and lengthy processing procedures required by traditional point-of-care devices, thereby maintaining high sensitivity while enabling rapid point-of-use testing.
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
The system achieves high sensitivity and a broader detection range, enabling rapid, cost-effective, and reproducible analyte detection suitable for handheld devices, overcoming limitations of existing technologies.
Implementation Method 1
thin film bulk acoustic wave piezoelectric resonator with increased dynamic range
Implementation Method 2
thin film bulk acoustic wave piezoelectric resonator
Implementation Method 3
contacting the linked amplification element with an amplification precursor under conditions to convert the amplification precursor into a molecule that adds mass at a surface of the BAW resonator
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3D
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.