Portable Interferometric System for Aquatic Analyte Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for rapid and efficient in vitro diagnostic systems that can provide qualitative and quantitative data for various pathogens and chemical contaminants in aquaculture environments, as existing technologies are inadequate for real-time monitoring and remedial action.
Innovation Solution
A portable interferometric system is developed, comprising an optical assembly unit with a light unit and detector unit, and a cartridge system with an interferometric chip and flow cell wafer. The system uses waveguide interferometry to detect and quantify analytes in aquatic test samples, with a sensing layer on the chip that binds to specific analytes, allowing for simultaneous detection of multiple analytes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If traditional diagnostic systems are used for pathogen detection in aquaculture, then detection accuracy may be adequate, but the system portability and speed are insufficient for real-time monitoring
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into a reusable main body (housing unit with optical assembly) and disposable cartridges. Each cartridge contains pre-loaded reagents and sample wells, allowing rapid exchange between samples without resetting the entire system. This segmentation enables fast sequential testing while keeping the complex optical infrastructure stationary and reusable.
Solution Approach 2:
Reagents are pre-loaded into the cartridge before use, and the optical system is pre-calibrated. The cartridge contains all necessary components (sample wells, reagent reservoirs, flow channels) ready for immediate testing. This preliminary preparation eliminates setup time and enables rapid deployment for real-time monitoring.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple analytes are detected simultaneously using multiple waveguide channels, then detection versatility improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single optical assembly with a detector array serves multiple waveguide channels simultaneously. The detector array can resolve signals from multiple channels, allowing one optical system to detect multiple different analytes through different cartridges. This universal design avoids replicating entire optical systems for each analyte type.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a two-dimensional detector array to capture signals from multiple waveguide channels in parallel. By spatially resolving the detector output, the system can distinguish signals from different channels simultaneously, enabling multiplexed detection without requiring separate optical paths for each analyte.
3Measurement precision
If the detection limit is reduced to picogram levels, then measurement precision improves, but the system becomes more sensitive to environmental interference
Solution Approach 1:
The waveguide structure acts as an intermediary between the optical field and the sample. The evanescent field extends into the sample medium, enabling detection of analyte binding events at the waveguide surface. This intermediate interaction zone allows highly sensitive detection while the bulk optical system remains shielded from environmental contaminants.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses optical copying of the analyte binding event into a measurable signal. Instead of directly measuring the analyte mass, the system creates an optical copy of the binding event through refractive index changes in the evanescent field. This indirect measurement approach maintains high sensitivity while reducing direct exposure to environmental interference.
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 rapid detection and quantification of analytes, with a detection limit down to 1.0 picogram/L and 1000 pfu/ml, providing both qualitative and quantitative results in under 30 minutes. This enables timely remedial measures and improves water quality monitoring in aquaculture environments.
Implementation Method 1
initiating waveguide interferometry on the test sample composition
Implementation Method 2
The interferometric chip includes one or more waveguide channels having a sensing layer thereon
Implementation Method 3
the sensing layer adapted to bind or otherwise be selectively disturbed by one or more analytes within the aquatic test sample composition
Data Source
AI summary
A point of use analyte detection and quantification system for aquatic applications is provided. Related methods are also provided.