Localised Surface Plasmonic Sensing Arrays for Cross-Reactive Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensing technologies for smell and taste, such as artificial 'noses' and 'tongues', face challenges in replicating the sensitivity and specificity of biological senses, particularly due to the oxidation of aluminum nanostructures, which affect their functionality and surface functionalization, and require costly, time-consuming laboratory equipment for chromatographic analysis.
Innovation Solution
A localised surface plasmonic sensing device with multiple arrays of gold nanostructures, each with distinct surface functionalizations, is designed to interact selectively with analytes, using thermal annealing to enhance resonance quality and sensitivity, allowing for real-time, portable detection without specific binding interactions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If aluminum nanostructures are used in the sensing device, then the device can be fabricated with multiple functional arrays, but the aluminum nanostructures oxidise quickly which renders them ineffective and affects surface functionalisation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using different metal materials for different arrays of nanostructures. Specifically, gold nanostructures are used for arrays requiring stable surface functionalisation, while aluminum nanostructures are used for arrays where plasmonic resonance is the primary function. This allows each array to have the optimal material properties for its specific sensing application, resolving the contradiction between versatility and oxidation resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensing device employs composite material strategies by combining multiple metal types (gold and aluminum) within the same device structure. Each metal is selected for its specific properties: gold for chemical stability and surface functionalisation, aluminum for cost-effectiveness and plasmonic properties. This composite approach enables the device to achieve both versatility across multiple functions and reliability through material-specific optimization.
2Measurement precision
If chromatographic analysis is used for detection, then accurate identification of chemical components is achieved, but the process is costly, time-consuming and requires specialized laboratory equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical and chemical separation processes of chromatography with a optical sensing approach. Instead of physically separating and identifying components through complex instrumentation, the device uses plasmonic resonance detection to identify chemical components based on their interaction with functionalized nanostructure surfaces. This substitution eliminates the need for specialized laboratory equipment while maintaining identification capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the essential detection function from the complex chromatographic system. By using multiple arrays of nanostructures with different surface functionalisations, the device can identify specific chemical components directly without requiring the complete chromatographic separation process. This extraction approach simplifies the system while preserving the ability to detect and identify analytes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple arrays of nanostructures with different surface functionalisations are used, then selective interaction with different analytes is enabled, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the sensing array into multiple distinct arrays, where each array contains nanostructures with specific surface functionalisations tailored for particular analyte classes. This modular segmentation allows each array to be optimized for its target analytes while maintaining a manageable manufacturing process through standardized fabrication techniques for each segment.
Solution Approach 2:
The device implements local quality by assigning different material compositions and surface functionalisations to different spatial locations (arrays) within the sensing device. Each array is locally optimized with the specific metal type and functionalisation needed for its target analytes, enabling selective interaction while using established manufacturing processes for each local region.
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 device provides sensitive, reusable, and cost-effective detection of complex chemical mixtures, enabling real-time monitoring and differentiation of analytes with improved sensitivity and flexibility, suitable for applications in security, food, and drug sectors.
Implementation Method 1
a first array of localised surface plasmon resonance island structures on the substrate; a second array of localised surface plasmon resonance island structures on the substrate
Implementation Method 2
using thermal annealing to enhance resonance quality and sensitivity
Data Source
AI summary
A localised surface plasmonic sensing device is disclosed. This comprises: a substrate; a first, second, third and fourth (at least) array of localised surface plasmon resonance island structures on the substrate, each array located to be spaced apart and isolated from each other on the substrate. Each array also has different surface functionalisations for selective interaction with respective analytes. The selective interaction with respective analytes of the first, second, third and fourth surface functionalisations is other than by specific binding of the respective analytes, thereby allowing for cross-reactive sensing by simultaneous analysis of localised surface plasmons at each array of localised surface plasmon resonance island structures. Also disclosed is a method of analysing a fluid to detect the presence and/or concentration of at least one analyte, using such a device.