Magnetic Biosensor Gravity Compensation via Asymmetric Field
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Magnetic biosensors face challenges in accurately detecting target molecules due to gravitational and other forces affecting the distribution of magnetic particles, leading to unreliable results, especially in non-flat orientations or during motion, which limits their use in point-of-care applications like emergency vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A sensor system with a sample container featuring a detection surface with a symmetric binding surface layout and a spatial distribution profile of signal generating elements, including magnetic particles, that compensates for gravitational effects by aligning the binding surface regions with the central axis of the sample container, ensuring even distribution and reducing signal variations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If magnetic particles are used for biosensing, then detection sensitivity is improved, but gravitational effects cause uneven distribution leading to measurement reliability deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by positioning the magnetic element offset from the central axis of the sample container, creating an asymmetric magnetic field distribution that counteracts the symmetric gravitational force. This asymmetric configuration generates a compensating gradient that maintains uniform magnetic particle distribution across the detection surface even under gravitational influence, thereby preserving measurement reliability while retaining detection sensitivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the spatial parameter of the magnetic element position from the conventional central axis location to an offset position. This parameter change in the magnetic field distribution profile creates a gradient that compensates for gravitational effects on magnetic particles, ensuring reliable measurements without sacrificing the sensitivity provided by magnetic particle usage.
2Productivity
If magnetic actuation is applied to enhance particle concentration, then binding speed is improved, but gravitational effects cause signal variations in non-flat orientations
Solution Approach 1:
The asymmetric positioning of the magnetic element creates a non-uniform magnetic field gradient that compensates for gravitational effects. This allows magnetic actuation to enhance binding speed through increased particle concentration while simultaneously maintaining signal consistency across different orientations by counteracting gravitational-induced distribution variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The offset magnetic element generates a magnetic force gradient that acts as a counterbalancing force against gravitational effects on magnetic particles. This counteracting force ensures that particles are properly concentrated for rapid binding while preventing gravitational-induced signal variations, thereby maintaining reliability in non-flat orientations.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional symmetric binding surface layout is used, then manufacturing is simplified, but gravitational effects cause uneven particle distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces asymmetry in the magnetic element positioning relative to the symmetric binding surface layout. This asymmetric configuration creates a magnetic field gradient that compensates for gravitational effects, ensuring uniform particle distribution across the symmetric binding surface while maintaining the manufacturing simplicity of the symmetric layout itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating a non-uniform magnetic field through offset positioning, which provides localized compensation for gravitational effects in different regions of the sample container. This allows the symmetric binding surface to maintain its manufacturing simplicity while the asymmetric magnetic field ensures uniform particle distribution across all regions.
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 allows for reliable detection of target molecules even in non-flat orientations and during motion, enhancing the usability of magnetic biosensors in various point-of-care environments by minimizing signal variations caused by external forces.
Implementation Method 1
Magnetic attraction of the beads, also referred to as actuation, may increase the performance, e.g., speed, of the biosensor
Implementation Method 2
compensating for gravitational effects on the detection of target molecules
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are provided for compensating for gravitational effects on a sensor system. In one example, a sensor system includes a sample container configured to receive a sample containing an analyte to be tested, the sample container comprising a detection surface and a plurality of signal generating elements in the sample container, wherein the detection surface comprises a binding surface, which has been partially functionalized with capture elements that can bind, directly and/or indirectly, the analyte and/or the signal generating elements, wherein the signal generating elements have a spatial distribution profile over the detection surface, wherein the spatial distribution profile has a gradient along a first axis, and wherein the binding surface has an axis of symmetry that is orthogonal to the first axis.