Magnetic Sensor Metal Ion Detection via Breakable Strands
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing metal ion detection methods using magnetic sensors are either expensive, time-consuming, or unsuitable for field use due to significant matrix effects and the need for lengthy chemical or biochemical reactions.
Innovation Solution
A method employing breakable strands with functional nucleic acids immobilized on a magnetic sensor, where metal ions cause the strands to break, leading to a reduction in the magnetic field sensed, allowing for rapid detection of metal ion levels using a subtractive-signal approach.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional magnetic sensor methods using additive-signal approach are used, then metal ion detection can be achieved, but detection time is prolonged due to lengthy chemical or biochemical reactions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional additive-signal approach by using a subtractive-signal method. Instead of adding magnetic particles that increase the signal, the method starts with magnetic particles attached to functional nucleic acids that generate a magnetic signal, then uses metal ions to break the strands and reduce the signal. This inversion eliminates lengthy reaction times while maintaining detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-attaching magnetic particles to functional nucleic acid strands before introducing the sample. This preparation ensures that the detection system is ready to immediately respond to metal ions upon contact, eliminating the need for time-consuming assembly steps during actual detection.
2Measurement precision
If conventional sensors (fluorescent, colorimetric, electrochemical) are used for metal ion detection, then detection can be performed, but performance deteriorates due to significant matrix effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces chemical and optical detection mechanisms (fluorescent, colorimetric, electrochemical sensors) with a magnetic detection mechanism. Magnetic sensors are not affected by matrix effects that plague optical and chemical methods, as magnetic field detection is inherently more selective and less prone to interference from sample components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magnetic particles as intermediaries that bridge the metal ion target and the detection system. These magnetic particles attached to functional nucleic acids serve as a mediator that converts specific metal ion-nucleic acid interactions into detectable magnetic signals, isolating the detection from matrix interference.
3Measurement precision
If existing metal ion detection technologies are used, then detection capability is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase making field use difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the detection parameter from optical or electrical signals to magnetic signals. This parameter change enables the use of simpler, more robust magnetic sensors that can be miniaturized and deployed in field conditions, reducing device complexity and cost while maintaining detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the essential detection function from complex conventional sensor systems by using a simplified magnetic detection approach. The core detection capability is isolated and implemented using magnetic particles and functional nucleic acids, eliminating unnecessary complexity while preserving metal ion detection ability.
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 approach provides accurate and prompt metal ion detection, immune to matrix effects, and is suitable for field use, with detection times significantly reduced compared to additive-signal methods.
Implementation Method 1
A magnetic sensor having one or more layers is formed on a base for sensing a magnetic field created by magnetic particles present in proximity to the magnetic sensor
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods, systems and programing for substance detection with a magnetic sensor are presented. In one example, a magnetic sensor having one or more layers is formed on a base for sensing a magnetic field created by magnetic particles present in proximity to the magnetic sensor. A first end of each of a first set of strands is immobilized with respect to the magnetic sensor. A magnetic particle is attached to a second end of each of the first set of strands so that when a material containing a substance is in contact with the base, the substance causes at least some of the first set of strands to break resulting in that the magnetic particle attached to the second end of each of the at least some of the first set of strands is no longer in proximity to the magnetic sensor.