Microstructured SPR Chip with Convex Surfaces for Multi-Zone Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current SPR systems are bulky, expensive, and difficult to implement, limiting their use for low-cost analyses due to complex measurement strategies and limited multi-zone analysis capabilities, often requiring moving mechanical parts and expensive equipment.
Innovation Solution
A microstructured chip with convex surfaces is used for surface plasmon resonance analysis, featuring a metallic layer on its upper face with protrusions and cavities of varying radii of curvature, allowing for simultaneous analysis of multiple zones without moving parts, and adaptable sensitivity for different species, facilitating cost-effective and compact SPR devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional SPR systems use a single flat surface with moving mechanical parts for angular interrogation, then measurement precision can be maintained, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The chip surface is segmented into multiple discrete zones (first zone, second zone, third zone) with different geometries (flat, convex, concave). Each zone can be independently functionalized and analyzed, eliminating the need for moving mechanical parts while maintaining measurement precision through parallel multi-zone analysis
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from conventional 2D flat surface analysis to 3D microstructured surface analysis by introducing convex and concave zones with varying curvatures. This dimensional change enables multi-zone parallel analysis and eliminates mechanical moving parts while preserving SPR measurement precision
2Productivity
If conventional SPR systems implement multi-zone parallel analysis, then productivity increases, but device complexity and mechanical component requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The chip surface is divided into multiple functionally independent zones (flat first zone, convex second zone, concave third zone) that can be simultaneously analyzed. This segmentation enables parallel productivity improvement without requiring mechanical moving parts, as all zones are statically integrated into the single chip structure
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple analysis zones with different geometries are merged into a single integrated chip structure. The flat first zone, convex second zone, and concave third zone coexist on one chip, combining multi-zone parallel analysis capability with simplified mechanics-free design
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional SPR systems use standardized flat surfaces, then ease of manufacture is maintained, but adaptability for different species and sensitivity requirements decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Different zones on the chip possess distinct local geometries (flat first zone, convex second zone with positive curvature, concave third zone with negative curvature) optimized for specific analytical needs. Each zone can be independently functionalized with different ligands, providing local quality variation that enhances adaptability while maintaining manufacturing feasibility
Solution Approach 2:
The invention varies geometric parameters (curvature radius, zone dimensions) and optical parameters (reflectivity characteristics) across different zones to optimize sensitivity for different species. The flat first zone, convex second zone with curvature radius R2, and concave third zone with curvature radius R3 provide parameter diversity for enhanced versatility
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 microstructured chip enables efficient, cost-effective, and compact SPR analysis, allowing for real-time monitoring of biomolecular interactions across multiple zones with enhanced sensitivity, suitable for both large and small molecules, without the need for complex mechanical systems.
Implementation Method 1
Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) is an optical technique that detects fine variations in physical properties in the immediate vicinity of a surface. SPR is a physical phenomenon of collective excitation of the electrons of a metal on a metal-dielectric medium interface
Implementation Method 2
said zones have a curved surface with an average radius of curvature R located in a plane orthogonal to the plane (XY) in the plane (YZ); the average radius of curvature R of the curved surface is between 0.1 and 600 μm
Data Source
Figure 1a~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A microstructured chip (3; 33; 43; 53; 63) for surface plasmon resonance (SPR) analysis, taking the form of a solid formed by: a base (5; 77); an upper surface (4; 44), at least part of which is covered with a metal layer (2; 22; 42; 52; 62); and at least one side surface (55; 66). The chip is characterized in that the aforementioned upper surface is provided with micrometric zones intended to receive species to be analyzed and selected from among n protrusions and m cavities, and in that when n+m≧2 the zones are separated from one another by planar surfaces, with n varying between 1 and j, m varying between 0 and i, and j and i being integers.