Magnetic Sensor Arrays for High-Throughput Analyte Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current high-throughput detection methods are limited in their ability to efficiently and accurately detect multiple analytes in parallel, requiring complex setups and often involving multiple steps and reagents, which can lead to inefficiencies and inaccuracies.

Innovation Solution

A high-throughput detection system comprising a magnetic sensor device with elongated regions, a magnetic field source, and a reservoir plate with multiple fluid reservoirs, allowing for sequential positioning of magnetic sensor arrays to detect analytes using analyte-specific probes and magnetic labels, enabling real-time signal acquisition and minimization of noise.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If multiple analytes are detected in parallel using current high-throughput methods, then detection throughput is improved, but device complexity and reagent requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection throughputVSAvoidsetup complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic sensor device is divided into multiple elongated regions, with each region containing a magnetic sensor array that can detect different analytes. This segmentation allows parallel detection of multiple analytes while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure, as each segment operates independently but can be integrated into a single device platform.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic sensor arrays are designed with analyte-specific probes that can be configured to detect different target analytes. This multi-functionality allows the same basic device structure to detect multiple different analytes in parallel, improving throughput without proportionally increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If multiple analytes are detected in parallel using current high-throughput methods, then detection throughput is improved, but the number of reagents and washing steps increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection throughputVSAvoidreagent consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple analyte detection capabilities are merged into a single magnetic sensor device with multiple elongated regions. By combining multiple detection functions into one device, the system reduces the need for separate reagent sets and washing steps that would be required if multiple separate devices or methods were used, thereby improving throughput while reducing reagent consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Measurement precision

If magnetic sensor arrays are positioned in sequential sets of fluid reservoirs, then measurement precision is improved, but positioning time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal-to-noise ratioVSAvoidpositioning time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic sensor device incorporates actuators that enable dynamic positioning of the elongated regions containing magnetic sensor arrays. This dynamic positioning capability allows the system to quickly and accurately position sensor arrays in sequential sets of fluid reservoirs, maintaining high measurement precision while minimizing positioning time through automated, controlled movement rather than manual or static positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 system enables rapid, accurate, and efficient detection of multiple analytes in parallel, improving throughput and reducing the need for extensive washing steps, while maintaining high sensitivity and specificity.

Implementation Method 1

a magnetic sensor device including two or more magnetic sensor arrays

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field detection: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

as a magnetically-labeled analyte in a sample binds to an analyte-specific probe or as a magnetic label binds to an analyte/analyte-specific probe complex

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic labeling: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS9164100B2Systems and methods for high-throughput detection of an analyte in a sample

Publication Date: 2015.10.20 MAGARRAY

AI summary

Provided are high-throughput detection systems. The systems include a magnetic sensor device, a magnetic field source and a reservoir plate that includes a plurality of fluid reservoirs. The magnetic sensor device includes a support with two or more elongated regions each having a magnetic sensor array disposed at a distal end. Also provided are methods in which the subject high-throughput detection systems find use.