Integrated Membrane Sensor for Multiplexed Bioassays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies face challenges in detecting and quantifying small bioanalytical labels in multiplexed assays, particularly in decentralized and disposable assay formats, due to limitations in sensitivity and precision, especially in small volumes and complex sample handling.
Innovation Solution
Integration of microchip-based electromagnetic effect field sensors directly into membrane-based assay cartridges, utilizing GMR technology to detect magnetic labels, enabling precise measurement of label concentrations and arrays within small volumes, and incorporating flow permeable membranes for sample handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If electromagnetic effect field sensors are integrated directly into membrane-based assay cartridges, then sensitivity and precision for detecting labels are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sensor chip with the flow membrane into a single integrated assay cartridge. The sensor chip is positioned in direct contact with the flow membrane, allowing labels to be detected as they pass through the membrane. This integration eliminates the need for separate sensor and membrane components, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high detection precision through direct contact between the sensor and sample flow path.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor chip is nested within the assay cartridge structure, with the flow membrane positioned directly over the sensor. This nested arrangement allows the sensor to be protected within the cartridge while still accessing the sample flow, enabling precise detection without requiring complex external positioning mechanisms.
2Measurement precision
If microchip-based sensors are integrated into disposable assay cartridges, then sensitivity for detecting small labels in small volumes is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The assay system is segmented into disposable assay cartridges containing integrated sensor chips. Each cartridge is pre-assembled with the sensor chip and flow membrane in a standardized configuration, allowing for automated manufacturing and quality control. This segmentation enables sensitive detection in small volumes while simplifying manufacturing through modular, repeatable assembly processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs microchip-based sensors that operate at the micro-scale, detecting labels in small sample volumes. The miniaturization of the sensor and sample volume represents a parameter change from macro-scale traditional assays to micro-scale integrated assays, improving sensitivity while enabling standardized manufacturing of disposable cartridges.
3Productivity
If integrated sensor systems are used for multiplexed assays, then productivity and throughput are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated sensor chip is designed to detect multiple types of labels simultaneously through multiplexed assays. The sensor can identify different analytes in a single sample flow, eliminating the need for separate assays for each target. This multi-functionality improves productivity by processing multiple measurements in one device while the integration keeps complexity manageable through a unified sensor platform.
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
This approach enhances sensitivity and precision for detecting electromagnetic effect field labels, facilitating multiplexed assays in decentralized settings with cost-effective, disposable sensor systems, suitable for various bioanalytical applications.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing GMR technology to detect magnetic labels
Implementation Method 2
An electromagnetic effect field sensor is defined as: an electronic device which, upon the impingement of an electromagnetic effect field, induces an electronic signal in a detector circuit
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated microelectronic sensor is provided in a disposable flow membrane sensing device. The integrated sensors detect electromagnetic effect labels in flow detection zones above the sensor in the membrane. The labels are small particles that give off a detectable electromagnetic signal. They are commonly used for isolating and quantifying biochemical targets of interest. The sensors are fabricated using planar integrated circuit technologies. Sensors can detect labels of several types including magnetic, electric, and photonic. These types all have in common the fact that the sensor detects the label at a distance. Magnetoresistive sensors for detecting magnetic labels, and photodiodes for detecting photonic labels are described.A system for using the sensors is described. There are disposable cartridges with a backing that supports the sensors and membrane is described. The integrated sensor in the cartridge is designed to be discarded after use. Also, label excitation sources are provided. The multi sensor array chip can be configured in order to detect labels in multiple zones, and to monitor progress of flow down a strip of membrane. These multiple label detection zones, using sandwich assay techniques, can quantify analyte concentration for many types of analytical samples. Also, the membrane can be micropatterned in order to provide multiple or unusually shaped flow paths.