Flexible SERS Carrier for Single Molecule Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for single molecule detection using Raman spectroscopy are limited by the need for rigid substrates, which restrict real-time, in situ, or in vivo detection on objects with irregular shapes, as they require extracting molecules and cannot handle anomalous shapes effectively.

Innovation Solution

A flexible carrier with a metal layer on a transparent, light-transmitting substrate featuring a bulge pattern that enhances surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), allowing attachment to irregular surfaces and enabling in situ detection by enhancing Raman signals through surface plasmon resonance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If a rigid substrate is used for single molecule detection, then the structural stability and manufacturing precision are improved, but the adaptability to irregular surfaces and real-time in situ detection capability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesubstrate structural stabilityVSAvoidadaptability to irregular surfaces

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces rigid substrates with flexible substrates that can conform to irregular surfaces. The flexible substrate maintains structural integrity while enabling adaptation to complex geometries, allowing in situ detection without extracting molecules from their native environments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The substrate transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic flexible structure that can adapt its shape. This dynamic characteristic enables the substrate to conform to irregular surfaces while maintaining stability during the detection process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Manufacturing precision

If a rigid substrate is used for single molecule detection, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the ability to perform real-time in situ detection on objects with anomalous shapes deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesubstrate fabrication precisionVSAvoidreal-time in situ detection capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible substrate can be manufactured with precise patterns using conventional techniques, then deployed to conform to irregular surfaces. This maintains manufacturing precision while enabling ease of operation for in situ detection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Adaptability or versatility

If a flexible substrate is used for single molecule detection, then the adaptability to irregular surfaces and real-time detection capability are improved, but the structural stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to irregular surfacesVSAvoidsubstrate structural stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs composite structures combining flexible substrates with metal layers featuring bulge patterns. This composite design provides both the flexibility needed for irregular surfaces and the structural stability required for reliable detection, as the metal layer reinforces the flexible substrate.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

4Device complexity

If conventional rigid substrates are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the detection precision for single molecules deteriorates due to lack of signal enhancement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesubstrate structure complexityVSAvoidsingle molecule detection precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The metal layer incorporates localized bulge patterns that create specific regions of enhanced electromagnetic field. These local structural variations provide signal enhancement precisely where needed for molecule detection, while the overall substrate structure remains relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The bulge patterns introduce curved surfaces at the nanoscale that enhance surface-enhanced Raman scattering. These curved features locally concentrate electromagnetic energy to improve detection precision without significantly complicating the overall device structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Data Source

PatentUS10527553B2Molecule carrier used for molecule detection

Publication Date: 2020.01.07 HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO LTD

AI summary

The disclosure relates to a carrier for use in single molecule detection. The carrier includes a flexible substrate and a metal layer on the flexible substrate. The flexible substrate includes a base and a bulge pattern located on a surface of the base. The bulge pattern includes a number of strip-shaped bulges intersecting with each other to form a net and define a number of recesses. The metal layer is located on the bulge pattern. The carrier for use in single molecule detection has a relative higher SERS and can enhance the Raman scattering.