Magnetic Particle Biosensor Shadow Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current biosensors face challenges in accurately detecting and distinguishing between specifically and non-specifically bound magnetic particles on a surface, which affects the reliability of assays for target analytes in aqueous samples.
Innovation Solution
A biosensor system with an integrated circuit and optical sensors that utilize magnetic separation forces and light modulation to differentiate between specifically and non-specifically bound magnetic particles, allowing for precise detection by measuring light shadows cast by particles on the surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If magnetic particles are used to detect target analytes in aqueous samples, then the detection capability is enhanced, but non-specific binding of particles reduces measurement reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection surface into distinct optical sensing areas and magnetic separation areas. Specifically bound particles in the optical sensing area are detected via light shadows, while non-specifically bound particles are removed in the magnetic separation area using magnetic separation forces generated by embedded field generators. This spatial segmentation resolves the contradiction by enabling accurate detection while eliminating non-specific binding interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts non-specifically bound magnetic particles from the optical sensing area using magnetic separation forces. The magnetic separation field generators embedded in the integrated circuit generate magnetic fields that apply forces to magnetic particles, selectively removing non-specifically bound particles while leaving specifically bound particles intact for detection. This extraction process resolves the contradiction by removing the harmful non-specific binding component.
2Measurement precision
If optical sensors are used to detect particle shadows, then detection precision is improved, but distinguishing specifically from non-specifically bound particles becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the integrated circuit surface into distinct optical sensing areas for detecting particle shadows and magnetic separation areas for removing non-specifically bound particles. The optical sensors in the optical sensing areas detect light shadows cast by specifically bound particles, while the magnetic separation field generators in the magnetic separation areas remove non-specifically bound particles. This segmentation resolves the difficulty by spatially separating the detection and separation functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magnetic separation forces as an intermediary mechanism to differentiate between specifically and non-specifically bound particles. The magnetic separation field generators generate magnetic fields that apply forces to magnetic particles, causing non-specifically bound particles to be removed while specifically bound particles remain. This intermediary magnetic force mechanism enables the optical sensors to accurately detect only specifically bound particles by eliminating non-specific binding interference.
3Reliability
If magnetic separation field generators are embedded in the integrated circuit, then non-specific binding is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the magnetic separation field generators with the integrated circuit substrate, embedding them directly into the circuit structure. This integration combines the optical sensing areas, magnetic separation areas, and magnetic field generation capabilities into a single unified device, reducing the need for separate external components and minimizing overall device complexity while maintaining high detection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated circuit is designed with multi-functionality, serving as both the optical detection platform and the magnetic separation system. The same integrated circuit substrate hosts both the optical sensors for detecting particle shadows and the magnetic separation field generators for removing non-specifically bound particles. This universal design resolves the contradiction by achieving high detection reliability through combined functions without proportionally increasing device complexity.
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 enables accurate detection and quantification of target analytes by isolating specifically bound particles, improving the reliability and precision of assays through magnetic separation and light-based detection methods.
Implementation Method 1
Particles on the surface of the integrated circuit can cast a shadow that can change the amount of light from the light source that is received by the optical sensors
Implementation Method 2
The magnetic particles can be attracted to the optical sensing area on the biologically coated surface of the integrated circuit by magnetic concentration forces that can be generated by current passing through concentration conductors embedded in the integrated circuit
Implementation Method 3
One or more magnetic separation field generators embedded in the integrated circuit can produce magnetic separation forces. The magnetic separation forces can remove the non-specifically bound magnetic particles from the optical sensing area
Data Source
AI summary
A biosensor system and method of its use for detecting particles on the surface of an integrated circuit is disclosed. The system can include a light source and a plurality of optical sensors formed on an integrate circuit. The particles can be positioned the surface of the integrated circuit whereby the particles can cast a shadow or shadows that reduces the amount of light transmitted from the light source to the optical sensors. The surface of the integrated circuit can include one or more optical sensing areas whereby the presence of one or more particles may significantly or measurably reduce the amount of light incident on one or more optical sensor.