Microfluidic Sensor Chip with Metamaterial Resonance for Terahertz Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bio-detection technologies such as ELISA and SPR require targeting samples with markers, amplifying signals, and consuming chemicals, leading to increased detection time and cost. Additionally, terahertz wave detection methods are limited to single-frequency testing, making them labor-intensive and costly.
Innovation Solution
A microfluidic sensor chip with a metamaterial layer having multiple regions with corresponding resonance patterns, used in conjunction with a terahertz wave, to efficiently amplify detected signals and enable simultaneous multi-frequency testing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If ELISA or SPR technologies are used for bio-detection, then detection sensitivity is improved, but detection time and cost increase due to signal amplification requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical/chemical signal amplification methods (ELISA, SPR) with a terahertz wave-based detection system that utilizes metamaterial resonance. The metamaterial layer with engineered resonance patterns enables direct detection without signal amplification, substituting complex biochemical processes with electromagnetic resonance phenomena.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from optical/chemical signals requiring amplification to terahertz wave resonance frequencies. By operating in the terahertz frequency range and utilizing metamaterial resonance, the system achieves sensitive detection without the need for signal amplification steps, thereby reducing detection time.
2Measurement precision
If ELISA or SPR technologies are used for bio-detection, then detection sensitivity is improved, but cost increases due to chemical consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes chemical-based detection methods (ELISA requiring dyeing agents, SPR requiring ligands) with a physical terahertz wave detection method. The metamaterial layer interacts with the testing sample through electromagnetic resonance, eliminating the need for consumable chemicals while maintaining detection sensitivity.
3Productivity
If terahertz wave detection is used, then detection speed is improved, but versatility deteriorates due to single-frequency testing limitation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the metamaterial layer into multiple regions, each with distinct resonance patterns corresponding to different frequencies. This segmentation allows the single terahertz wave source to excite multiple resonance modes simultaneously, enabling multi-frequency testing without requiring multiple separate measurement systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal detection platform where a single terahertz wave source and metamaterial structure can perform multiple detection functions across different frequencies. The metamaterial layer with multiple resonance patterns serves multiple purposes simultaneously, allowing versatile testing of different sample characteristics through one integrated system.
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 microfluidic sensor chip and measuring system reduce the labor cost and time required for bio-detection by allowing simultaneous multi-frequency testing, thereby providing accurate and efficient detection data.
Implementation Method 1
a metamaterial layer coated on the supporting surface, wherein the metamaterial layer has a plurality of regions, and each region has a corresponding resonance pattern
Implementation Method 2
a receiver configured to receive a reflected wave corresponding to the terahertz wave from at least one of the microfluidic sensor chips
Data Source
AI summary
A microfluidic sensor chip includes a body comprising a substrate and an upper cover, and the upper cover having at least one opening, at least one microfluidic channel formed on the substrate and has a supporting surface, wherein the at least one microfluidic channel communicates with the at least one opening, and a metamaterial layer coated on the supporting surface, wherein the metamaterial layer has a plurality of regions, and each region has a corresponding resonance pattern. The present disclosure further provides a measuring system for microfluidic sensor chip includes a carrying board, a plurality of the microfluidic sensor chips, a transmitter emitting a terahertz wave corresponding to the resonance pattern of one of the microfluidic sensor chips, a receiver receiving a reflected wave corresponding to the terahertz wave, and a processor receiving the reflected wave from the processor, and determining a testing sample characteristic according to the reflected wave.