Magnetic Structure Control for Multiplexed Bio-Molecular Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current multiplexed analysis methods using encoded particles face challenges such as material handling issues, limited code resolution, and complex processes in bio-molecular detection, particularly in distinguishing and isolating microparticles in multiplexed analysis methods.

Innovation Solution

A method involving magnetically controlled magnetic structures with arranged magnetic nanoparticles, where external magnetic fields are used to rotate or move these structures, facilitating reactions between probe and target molecules, and enabling color-coded analysis through magnetic field manipulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If spectral coding method using quantum dots or phosphors is used to ensure sufficient number of codes, then the number of distinguishable codes is improved, but material handling becomes complex and costly with limited precise controlling capability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecode resolutionVSAvoidmaterial handling complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces optical/spectral coding methods with magnetic coding methods. Instead of using quantum dots or phosphors that require complex spectral analysis, the invention uses magnetic nanoparticles arranged in specific patterns that can be detected through magnetic field interactions, simplifying the detection system while maintaining high code resolution

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the coding parameter from optical spectral properties to magnetic properties. By arranging magnetic nanoparticles in different spatial configurations (linear, planar, three-dimensional structures), the system achieves high-resolution coding through magnetic field interactions rather than relying on complex optical material spectra

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If graphical coding method with binary barcode is used, then material handling is simplified, but code resolution is limited requiring wider particle area

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvematerial handling easeVSAvoidcode resolution
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from two-dimensional binary barcode patterns to three-dimensional magnetic nanoparticle arrangements. By utilizing spatial arrangements in three dimensions (linear chains, planar grids, volumetric structures), the system achieves higher code resolution within the same particle area while maintaining ease of magnetic manipulation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the coding approach from graphical optical patterns to magnetic field interactions. The magnetic nanoparticle arrangements respond to external magnetic fields in distinct ways based on their spatial configuration, enabling high-resolution coding that can be detected through magnetic field measurements rather than optical imaging

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Quantity of substance

If multi-level coding method using binary or greater codes is used to increase number of codes, then code capacity is improved, but process complexity increases and precise loading of multiple indicator materials is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of codesVSAvoidprocess complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal magnetic nanoparticle platform that can encode multiple levels of information through a single material system. By varying the spatial arrangement of magnetic nanoparticles (linear, planar, three-dimensional configurations), the system achieves multi-level coding capability without requiring multiple different indicator materials, thus reducing process complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses changes in magnetic nanoparticle spatial parameters (arrangement geometry, density, configuration) to encode multiple levels of information. This approach achieves high code capacity through physical configuration variations rather than through complex multi-material loading processes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Ease of operation

If conventional magnetic particles are used in multiplexed analysis, then magnetic control is available, but selective isolation of microparticles from mixture solution is difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemagnetic control capabilityVSAvoidparticle isolation precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality differentiation through specific magnetic nanoparticle arrangements within each particle. Different particles have distinct magnetic configurations (different linear, planar, or three-dimensional arrangements) that create unique magnetic signatures, enabling selective isolation and identification of specific particles from a mixture through magnetic field interactions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 enhances the efficiency of bio-molecular detection by allowing precise control over magnetic structures, improving code resolution, and simplifying the handling and analysis of microparticles, thereby accelerating reactions and improving the accuracy of multiplexed analysis.

Implementation Method 1

rotation of the magnetic structure due to a magnetic torque of the magnetic axis

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic torque: Torque

Implementation Method 2

movement of the magnetic structure by a force applied in a direction in which density of the external magnetic force becomes dense

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic force: Lorentz Force

Data Source

PatentUS10013647B2Method for magnetically controlling a magnetic structure
Publication Date: 2018.07.03 QUANTA MATRIX INC
  • US10013647B2 patent drawing
  • US10013647B2 patent drawing
  • US10013647B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Provided is a method of magnetically controlling a magnetic structure, the method including: providing a solution containing magnetic structures, each including a magnetic axis in which magnetic nanoparticles are arranged; and controlling movements of the magnetic structures by applying an external magnetic field to the solution.