Micro-capacitive Sensor Array for DNA Length Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for detecting antibodies and nucleic acids, such as ELISA and optical microscopy, face limitations in sensitivity and resolution, making it difficult to detect small numbers of viruses and measure DNA length accurately due to optical diffraction limits.

Innovation Solution

A micro-capacitive sensor array with geographically and electrically isolated electrode plates and vertical pillars is used to form channels for sensing analytes, allowing for capacitance measurements that detect the presence and length of analytes by measuring capacitance changes between electrodes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If optical imaging methods are used to detect antibodies and nucleic acids, then the detection can be performed with standard equipment, but the resolution is limited by optical diffraction to about 200 nm, preventing accurate measurement of DNA length and detection of small numbers of viruses

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection resolutionVSAvoidsensor structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces optical imaging methods with a capacitive sensing system that uses electrical fields instead of light. The sensor array measures capacitance changes caused by analyte binding to electrodes, eliminating the optical diffraction limit and enabling sub-200 nm resolution for detecting antibodies and nucleic acids.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the detection parameter from optical intensity (which is limited by diffraction) to electrical capacitance (which can resolve smaller distances). By measuring capacitance changes between electrode plates, the system achieves higher resolution without requiring complex optical systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If ELISA and Western blot methods are used to detect antibody binding, then the methods are widely established, but the detection sensitivity is limited by the number of epitopes on viral surfaces, making detection of small numbers of viruses nearly impossible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection sensitivityVSAvoiddetection method simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces biochemical detection methods (ELISA/Western blot) with direct capacitive sensing. Instead of relying on epitope binding limits, the sensor directly detects analyte molecules through capacitance changes, achieving much higher sensitivity for detecting small numbers of viruses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces vertical pillars as intermediary structures that enhance the sensing capability. These pillars increase the effective sensing area and improve the signal-to-noise ratio, enabling detection of analytes at concentrations far below what is possible with conventional methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If multiple electrodes are placed close together to increase sensing area, then more analytes can be detected simultaneously, but the electrodes become electrically coupled, reducing measurement precision

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensing capacityVSAvoidcapacitance measurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the electrode structure into multiple independently controlled electrode plates separated by dielectric layers. This segmentation allows multiple sensing elements to be placed close together while maintaining electrical isolation, enabling high sensing capacity without sacrificing measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different properties to different parts of the electrode structure. The electrode plates have high conductivity for signal detection, while the dielectric layers provide electrical isolation. This local differentiation allows multiple electrodes to function independently even when positioned close together.

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

The micro-capacitive sensor array enhances sensitivity and resolution, enabling the detection of small analyte concentrations and precise measurement of DNA length beyond optical limits, improving the detection of antibodies and nucleic acids.

Implementation Method 1

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS11016048B2Micro-capacitance sensor array containing spaced apart first and second overlapping and parallel electrode plates for sensing analytes

Publication Date: 2021.05.25 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINE CORPORATION

AI summary

The present application provides devices, systems and methods for detecting the presence and/or length of an analyte. More specifically, the present application is directed to a structure and system that includes a micro-capacitive sensor array for detecting the presence of an analyte in a sample and determining the length and/or composition of an analyte, such as a nucleic acid, as well as methods for using the same.