Multi-Layer Luminescence Sensor Substrate for Binding Site Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Luminescence sensors, particularly biosensors and chemical sensors with sub-wavelength spatial resolution, face challenges in determining specific locations for luminophore binding to achieve high sensitivity due to difficulties in optimizing combined excitation and detection efficiency within their multi-layer substrate structures.
Innovation Solution
A luminescence sensor with a multi-layer substrate structure comprising layers of different materials, where one layer has a higher binding capacity for luminophores and another layer has a lower binding capacity, positioned to maximize excitation and detection efficiency, allowing for preferred binding sites within the substrate's apertures or slits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sub-wavelength apertures or slits are used in luminescence sensors, then background luminescence is suppressed and excitation/detection separation is achieved, but it becomes difficult to determine specific locations for optimal luminophore binding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating distinct layers with different binding capacities within the substrate structure. The first layer has high binding capacity to capture and concentrate luminophores at specific locations, while the second layer has low binding capacity to allow light transmission. This spatial differentiation of binding properties enables optimal luminophore positioning within the apertures or slits, solving the difficulty of locating binding sites while maintaining the background suppression benefits of sub-wavelength structures
2Quantity of substance
If large surface areas are used to improve binding efficiency, then more analyte can be captured, but diffusion lengths increase and binding kinetics slow down
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements the nesting principle by placing the first layer with high binding capacity inside or within the structure of the second layer with low binding capacity. This nested arrangement allows the high-binding layer to provide large surface area for analyte capture while being embedded within the low-binding layer that maintains short diffusion paths. The nested structure enables both large effective binding area and rapid kinetics by allowing analyte to diffuse through the porous or structured second layer to reach the first layer binding sites
3Measurement precision
If multiple layers with different binding capacities are implemented, then optimal binding sites can be provided, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the substrate into distinct functional layers: a first layer with high binding capacity for luminophore concentration and a second layer with low binding capacity for light transmission. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized for its specific function, achieving high sensitivity through proper luminophore positioning while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through clear functional separation of layers
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 configuration enhances the sensitivity of the luminescence sensor by providing optimal binding sites for luminophores, leading to improved excitation and detection efficiency, even at low analyte concentrations, and reduces background interference.
Implementation Method 1
the first material shows a first binding capacity toward luminophores present in the apertures and the second material shows a second binding capacity toward luminophores
Implementation Method 2
light is reflecting on sub-wavelength apertures or slits, because they are too small to be seen by the light. This yields an evanescent field within the apertures or slits, which is used for exciting luminophores present there
Implementation Method 3
Luminescence that is generated may exit the apertures or slits of the sensor at the side opposite to the first side, i.e. opposite to the side at which the sensor is irradiated, and is detected there
Implementation Method 4
micro- or nano-porous substrates (membranes) have been proposed as biosensor substrates that combine a large area with rapid binding kinetics
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a luminescence sensor (2), such as e.g. a luminescence biosensor, comprising a multi-layer structure. The multi-layer structure comprises at least a first layer (2a) formed of a first material and a second layer (2b) formed of a second material. The first material has a first binding capacity towards luminophores and the second material has a second binding capacity towards luminophores, the first binding capacity being different from the second binding capacity. The luminescence sensor (2) according to the present invention shows a high sensitivity because it provides preferred binding sites for luminophores at locations where the combined excitation and detection efficiency is the highest.