Integrated Antenna Split-Ring Resonator Biosensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing biosensors using split-ring resonators require external antennas for electrical excitation, limiting their portability and integration with electronic chips, and rely on direct electrical connections for measurement, which is not advantageous for oscillator integration.
Innovation Solution
A biosensor design where split-ring resonators are integrated with antennas on the same substrate, excited by electromagnetic waves, allowing for portable and chip-integratable biosensing without direct electrical connection, utilizing a dielectric substrate with a metallic backplate to alter transmission and reflection characteristics for resonant frequency measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If external antennas are used for electrical excitation of SRR structures, then the resonator can be effectively excited, but the alignment requirements limit portability and integration with electronic chips
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the antenna and SRR structure into a single integrated unit. The antenna is designed with a specific geometry that directly forms the SRR resonator, eliminating the need for separate external antennas and direct electrical connections. This integration maintains effective excitation while enabling portability and chip integration.
2Measurement precision
If direct electrical connection is used for measurement, then measurement can be performed, but integration with oscillator circuits is not advantageous
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces direct electrical connection with electromagnetic field-based measurement. The integrated antenna structure allows measurement through electromagnetic coupling without requiring direct electrical contacts to the SRR, simplifying integration with oscillator circuits and other electronic systems.
3Reliability
If large external antennas are used, then excitation can be achieved, but they are not suitable for integration with electronic chips
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests the SRR resonator within the antenna structure itself. The SRR is formed as an integral part of the antenna geometry, allowing the resonator to be contained within the excitation structure. This nested design achieves effective excitation while minimizing overall size for chip integration.
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
Enables efficient measurement of molecular concentration by inducing current in the resonator with electromagnetic waves, allowing for oscillator circuit integration and sensitive detection of biomolecular interactions with a linear frequency shift response.
Implementation Method 1
Split-ring resonators (SRR) have been widely used for applications in electromagnetic spectrum spanning from microwave to photonic frequencies. The resonant frequency of the resonator is determined with the geometry of the structure.
Implementation Method 2
When SRR structures are excited appropriately, the magnetic permeability becomes negative within the vicinity of the resonant frequency of the structure. This property is used for developing extraordinary properties such as negative index of refraction.
Implementation Method 3
The resonant frequency is sensitive to change in dielectric constant of the medium in which the structure is present. This property has also been used for microfluidic applications. The geometry of the structure does not change in these applications, however the changes in dielectric properties of the medium in which it is present result in changes in the effective capacitance of the SRR structure, therefore the resonant frequency of the structure shifts.
Implementation Method 4
Biosensors using this mechanism have also been developed. Biomolecules binding on the surface of SRR structures alters the dielectric constant of the structures.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a biosensor (1) which enables the concentration of a desired molecule inside a liquid in the medium, and essentially comprises at least one metallic plate (2) which functions as a ground plate, and which is preferably manufactured from aluminum, at least one dielectric substrate (3) which is located on top of the metallic plate (2), at least one split-ring resonator (4) which is realized on top of the dielectric substrate (3), and which is coated with a dielectric layer, at least two symmetrical antennas (5) which are realized on the same plane with the split-ring resonator (4) on the substrate (3), at least two ports (6) where a network analyzer is connected with the antennas (5) via SMA (SubMiniature Version A) connectors.