Microneedle Immunosensor Array for Rapid Multiplex Biomarker Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current point-of-care diagnostic tools lack the ability to simultaneously and accurately measure a panel of biomarkers without laboratory equipment, relying on expensive instruments and skilled technicians, which is inadequate for acute diseases requiring rapid results.
Innovation Solution
A microneedle array (MNA) system with biomarker recognition molecules on each needle, enabling simultaneous detection of multiple biomarkers through a portable device that processes samples and analyzes results using a smartphone, replicating laboratory assays in a lab-free setting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional ELISA methods are used for multi-biomarker detection, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but device complexity and loss of time increase due to requirement for sophisticated instruments and laboratory settings
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the detection function into multiple independent microneedles, each equipped with specific biomarker recognition molecules. This segmentation allows parallel detection of multiple biomarkers simultaneously, reducing the need for complex sequential analysis while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical and instrumental complexity of traditional ELISA with a simplified microneedle-based system that uses biological recognition molecules. The detection mechanism is substituted from instrument-dependent to biology-based, eliminating the need for sophisticated laboratory equipment while preserving detection accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If traditional ELISA methods are used for multi-biomarker detection, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to days required for test results
Solution Approach 1:
The microneedle array enables continuous and parallel detection of multiple biomarkers simultaneously, eliminating the sequential processing steps required in traditional ELISA. This continuous action reduces turnaround time from days to minutes while maintaining detection precision through the same recognition molecule mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If home-based single biomarker tests are used, then ease of operation is improved, but adaptability worsens as they cannot measure multiple biomarkers
Solution Approach 1:
The microneedle array system provides multi-functionality by enabling a single device to detect multiple different biomarkers simultaneously. Each microneedle is designed with specific recognition molecules, allowing the same platform to adapt to various biomarker detection needs, thus achieving universality while maintaining ease of operation.
4Adaptability or versatility
If protein microarray technologies are used for multi-biomarker detection, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and loss of substance increase due to expensive equipment and reagents
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies local quality by concentrating biomarker recognition molecules specifically on the surface of individual microneedles rather than using bulk reagents. This localized approach reduces reagent consumption significantly while maintaining the adaptability to detect multiple biomarkers through the distributed array of specialized microneedles.
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 MNA system provides sensitive, reliable, and accurate multiplex biomarker detection, outperforming traditional ELISA methods, allowing rapid diagnosis and monitoring of diseases with a drop of blood or other samples, suitable for home, bedside, or remote use.
Implementation Method 1
each of the plurality of microneedles including a plurality of biomarker recognition molecules attached thereto
Data Source
AI summary
A system for identifying a plurality of biomarkers in a sample, including: a substrate including a plurality of microneedles projecting therefrom, each of the plurality of microneedles including a plurality of biomarker recognition molecules attached thereto, and the plurality of microneedles including a first microneedle and a second microneedle, the first microneedle including a first plurality of biomarker recognition molecules configured to recognize a first biomarker, and the second microneedle including a second plurality of biomarker recognition molecules configured to recognize a second biomarker different from the first biomarker.