Flexible Optical Biosensor With Filtered Fluorescence Multiplexing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing low-cost, disposable point-of-care biosensors are limited in sensitivity and cannot detect multiple disease biomarkers or pathogens due to poor light attenuation through orthogonally crossed polarizers, requiring clinical laboratory analysis for accurate results.
Innovation Solution
A miniaturized fluorescence microscopy laboratory integrated with a flexible OLED array and PiN photodiode array on a microfluidic system, using selective binding species and optical filters to detect multiple biomarkers with clinical sensitivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If orthogonally crossed polarizers are used for light attenuation, then the device structure is simple, but the light attenuation is poor and sensitivity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the optical parameters by replacing crossed polarizers with optical filters that have specific transmission characteristics. The filters are designed to attenuate light from the light source while allowing fluorescent signals to pass, achieving superior light attenuation and sensitivity without increasing structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs disposable optical filters that can be easily integrated into the biosensor. These filters are inexpensive, single-use components that provide effective light attenuation, eliminating the need for complex, reusable optical systems while maintaining high diagnostic sensitivity
2Adaptability or versatility
If a single biomarker detection approach is used, then the device is simple and low cost, but the device can only detect one disease or pathogen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection surface into multiple distinct regions, each containing different biorecognition elements specific to different pathogens or biomarkers. Each region can be independently optimized for its target analyte while using the same overall sensor platform, enabling multi-pathogen detection without proportionally increasing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal sensor platform that can detect multiple different biomarkers simultaneously. The sensor uses a common microfluidic platform, light source, and detection system that serves all detection regions, allowing one device to perform multiple diagnostic functions for different pathogens and diseases
3Measurement precision
If fluorescent-based detection is used instead of colorimetry, then the sensitivity is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses inexpensive, disposable optical filters instead of complex, reusable optical systems. These filters are cheap enough to be discarded after a single use, eliminating the need for expensive laser sources and complex optical components while maintaining high sensitivity fluorescent detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical detection parameters by using broadband light sources combined with spectral filters rather than narrowband lasers. This approach achieves sufficient sensitivity for fluorescent detection while using simpler, cheaper optical components that can be easily integrated into disposable biosensors
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 >10X increase in detectable biomarkers and >100X improvement in diagnostic sensitivity, providing clinical-level detection in a low-cost, disposable format suitable for home use.
Implementation Method 1
The fluorophore labels attached to the antibodies absorb the incident light and then re-emit light (i.e., fluoresce) at a slightly longer wavelength, typically about 30 to 50 nm longer
Implementation Method 2
The optical system can include a light source, a detector, and a means of attenuating radiation from the light source at the detector
Data Source
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AI summary
A fully integrated miniaturized optical biosensor and methods of making the same are disclosed. The biosensor may include a fluid transport system and an optical system.