Dual-Sensitivity BAW Resonator Sensors for Expanded Dynamic Range
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Diagnostic testing for analytes 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 to detect analytes.
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
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the sensing system into multiple BAW resonator sensors with different sensitivities (first sensor with higher sensitivity, second sensor with lower sensitivity). Each sensor is optimized for different analyte concentration ranges, allowing the system to segment the measurement task across multiple specialized components rather than relying on a single sensor type.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the sensitivity parameter of the BAW resonator sensors by adjusting the recognition component concentration or affinity characteristics. The first sensor uses recognition components with higher affinity or concentration for high sensitivity measurements, while the second sensor uses recognition components with lower affinity or concentration for broader dynamic range measurements.
2Measurement precision
If multiple separate systems are used for different point of use tests, then each test can be optimized, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal BAW resonator sensor platform that can perform multiple different analyte tests using the same fundamental sensing mechanism. By changing only the recognition components (antibodies, aptamers, etc.) on the sensor surface, the system can be adapted to detect various analytes including cardiac markers, infectious disease markers, and other biomarkers, eliminating the need for 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
The system provides high sensitivity and expanded dynamic range for analyte detection, suitable for handheld devices, reducing response times and costs while improving sensitivity and reproducibility.
Implementation Method 1
a low sensitivity bulk acoustic wave (BAW) resonator sensor comprising a surface to which a low recognition component is immobilized... a high sensitivity BAW resonator sensor comprising a surface to which a high recognition component is immobilized... actuation circuitry configured to drive the low and high BAW resonator sensors in an oscillating motion; measurement circuitry arranged to be coupled to both the low and high BAW resonator sensors and configured to measure one or more resonator output signals representing resonance characteristics of the oscillating motion
Implementation Method 2
bulk acoustic wave (BAW) resonator sensor... actuation circuitry configured to drive the low and high BAW resonator sensors in an oscillating motion... measurement circuitry arranged to be coupled to both the low and high BAW resonator sensors and configured to measure one or more resonator output signals representing resonance characteristics
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.