Dielectric Microsensor Analyte Detection via Dual Resonance Modes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing label-free biosensors are not suitable for continuous process monitoring due to the need for multiple measurements of the same microsensor, which is time-consuming and limits their applicability. Additionally, these sensors are typically immobilized, preventing free movement and continuous scanning of fluids.
Innovation Solution
A method using dielectric microsensors with a microresonator and an adsorbate layer, where the microresonator consists of a dielectric material and a fluorescent marker. The method involves detecting at least two optical resonance modes, determining the optical thickness of the adsorbate layer, and quantifying the extent of analyte binding, allowing for continuous and quantitative detection of analytes without the need for multiple measurements or immobilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple measurements of the same microsensor are performed to quantify surface coverage, then measurement precision is improved, but measurement time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the measurement process into two independent parts: (1) a first measurement of a first microsensor provides a reference spectrum, and (2) a second measurement of a second microsensor provides the analyte binding information. This segmentation eliminates the need to repeatedly measure the same sensor, achieving both precision through reference comparison and productivity through parallel measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a reference microsensor that replicates the structural characteristics of the measurement microsensor without requiring repeated measurements of the same device. The reference spectrum is obtained from a separate microsensor, allowing the measurement microsensor to be used once for both reference and analyte detection, thereby improving productivity while maintaining measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If microsensors are immobilized to enable multiple measurements, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to lack of free movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the microsensor population into reference microsensors and measurement microsensors. The reference microsensors can be immobilized for precise reference spectra, while the measurement microsensors remain free-moving for continuous fluid scanning. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by allowing different operational modes for different sensor types.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a reference spectrum as an intermediary that enables quantitative measurement without requiring the same microsensor to be measured multiple times. The reference spectrum acts as a mediator between the immobilized reference microsensor and the free-moving measurement microsensor, allowing precise quantification while maintaining ease of operation through single-use measurement sensors.
3Measurement precision
If the same microsensor is measured multiple times, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to need for repeated measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement process into distinct reference measurement and analyte measurement steps using separate microsensors. This segmentation simplifies the overall device complexity by eliminating the need for repeated measurements of the same sensor, reducing the complexity of measurement control and data processing while maintaining precision through reference comparison.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a reference microsensor as a copy that provides the necessary reference spectrum without requiring repeated measurements of the original measurement microsensor. This copying approach reduces device complexity by allowing the measurement microsensor to be used once for both reference and analyte detection, simplifying the measurement process while maintaining precision.
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 enables quick, economical, and continuous label-free detection of analytes, allowing for the measurement of binding kinetics and providing accurate concentration measurements, thus overcoming the limitations of existing technologies.
Implementation Method 1
If the fluorescence in the microparticle is excited, the dye emits light at a longer wavelength compared to the excitation.
Implementation Method 2
Since this light is emitted in any spatial direction, it can also incidentally hit the microparticle wall under grazing incidence and undergo total reflection within the microparticle
Implementation Method 3
Depending on its diameter, the microparticle represents an optical cavity of specific size, which can be filled by individual wavelengths of the spectrally broadband fluorescence spectrum in the form of resonance modes.
Implementation Method 4
A microresonator can be coated with an adsorbate layer that is physically and/or chemically applied to the surface of the microresonator or attached to it and has a function appropriate to the respective application of the microresonator.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are a method and a device for the marker-free detection of an analyte in a fluid. At least one dielectric microsensor is used, which comprises a microresonator and an adsorbate layer for binding an analyte, which adsorbate layer is applied to the microresonator. The microresonator consists of a particle which comprises a dielectric material and a fluorescent marker. Furthermore, the microresonator has an optical refractive index that is higher than the optical refractive index of a fluid to be analyzed. The microresonator is suitable for allowing more than one resonance mode to form in the interior thereof when the fluorescent marker is excited. The optical thickness of the adsorbate layer of the microsensor is determined from spectral positions of at least two detected optical resonance modes of the microsensor and used to determine the extent to which an analyte has bonded to the at least one microsensor.