Portable Interferometric Cartridge for Multiplex Analyte Detection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for rapid and efficient systems that can provide qualitative and quantitative data for biological and chemical components in a single test sample, particularly in industrial processing environments, to detect and monitor contaminants effectively.

Innovation Solution

A portable interferometric system with an optical assembly and a cartridge system containing an interferometric chip and flow cell wafer, equipped with waveguide channels and sensing layers, capable of detecting and quantifying analytes down to 1.0 picogram/ml and 1000 pfu/ml, and providing results within 30 minutes, with real-time data transmission and multiplex analysis.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional detection systems are used, then comprehensive analysis of multiple analytes is achieved, but system portability and ease of operation deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveportabilityVSAvoidsystem integration

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into two main segments: a reusable handheld device containing the optical assembly and detector, and a disposable cartridge containing the waveguide chip and sample well. This segmentation allows the complex detection functionality to be concentrated in the cartridge while the handheld device remains relatively simple and portable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cartridge system is designed to be inserted into the handheld device, with the cartridge containing nested components including the waveguide chip with multiple sensing zones. The handheld device itself contains nested optical components (light source, waveguide, detector) within a compact housing that fits in a user's hand.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple analytes are detected simultaneously, then comprehensive qualitative and quantitative data is provided, but measurement precision and detection sensitivity deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-analyte detectionVSAvoiddetection sensitivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

Each sensing zone on the waveguide chip is functionalized with specific sensing layers (antibodies, antigens, DNA probes, or molecularly imprinted polymers) tailored to detect specific analytes. This local specialization allows each zone to maintain high detection sensitivity for its target analyte while the entire chip simultaneously detects multiple different analytes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from detecting single analytes sequentially to detecting multiple analytes simultaneously by adding a spatial dimension with multiple parallel sensing zones on the waveguide chip. Each zone operates independently with its own specific sensing layer, enabling multiplexed detection without compromising individual sensitivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Productivity

If rapid detection is achieved, then response time is reduced, but measurement precision and quantification accuracy deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection speedVSAvoidquantification accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The sensing layers are pre-immobilized on the waveguide chip during manufacturing, and the cartridge is pre-assembled with all necessary components. When a sample is introduced, detection begins immediately without requiring preparation steps, enabling rapid detection while maintaining precision through the pre-configured high-sensitivity sensing layers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces traditional mechanical/chemical detection methods with optical waveguide interferometry, which provides rapid real-time detection. The optical method detects analyte binding events as they occur through refractive index changes, eliminating the need for lengthy incubation or processing steps required by conventional methods while maintaining quantification accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 offers rapid, precise, and accurate detection and quantification of analytes, minimizing cross-contamination and environmental impact, with high sensitivity and throughput, suitable for various environments and conditions.

Implementation Method 1

initiating waveguide interferometry on the test sample composition

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInterferometry: Interference

Implementation Method 2

The interferometric chip includes one or more waveguide channels having a sensing layer thereon

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWaveguide: Waveguide (optics)

Implementation Method 3

the sensing layer adapted to bind or otherwise be selectively disturbed by one or more analytes within the chemical test sample composition

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBinding: Adsorption

Data Source

PatentUS12613187B2Interferometric detection and quantification system and methods of use in chemical processing

Publication Date: 2026.04.28 SALVUS LLC

AI summary

A point of use analyte detection and quantification system for chemical applications is provided. Related methods are also provided.