Nanodiamond-Embedded Gold SPR Sensor Sensitivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensors lack sufficient sensitivity in detecting target molecules due to limitations in binding mechanisms and refractive index changes.
Innovation Solution
Embedding nanodiamonds within a gold layer enhances the coupling of plasmon waves, increasing sensitivity by scattering and allowing for localized binding of target molecules to regions with enhanced surface plasmons, thereby improving detection capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional multilayer binding technology is used on top of the sensing gold layer, then target molecules can be bound to the gold layer, but the sensitivity of the SPR sensor is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the binding function from the traditional multilayer structure and integrates it directly into the gold sensing layer by embedding functionalized nanodiamonds within the gold layer itself, eliminating the need for separate binding layers and thereby improving sensitivity while reducing structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structure by embedding functionalized nanodiamonds within the gold sensing layer, combining the plasmonic properties of gold with the binding capabilities of functionalized diamond surfaces to achieve enhanced sensitivity
2Measurement precision
If dielectric particles are embedded in the metallic layer, then the coupling of plasmon waves is enhanced and sensitivity increases, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-functionalizing the nanodiamonds with carbon chemistry groups before embedding them in the gold layer, which simplifies the overall manufacturing process by preparing components in advance with their binding capabilities already established
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by controlling the size, concentration, and functionalization of nanodiamonds to optimize plasmon coupling efficiency and binding capacity, thereby enhancing sensitivity while managing manufacturing complexity through parameter optimization
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 integration of nanodiamonds in the gold layer significantly enhances the sensitivity of SPR sensors, enabling more precise detection of target molecules through increased plasmon field intensity and localized binding, surpassing traditional multilayer binding technologies.
Implementation Method 1
Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) is the oscillation of the free electron plasma at the surface of a metal boundary. The SPR is affected by the refractive index of the material close to the metallic surface.
Implementation Method 2
The coupling to the surface plasmon-polariton of the gold layer is realized due to the strong scattering of the nanodiamonds.
Implementation Method 3
The coupling of the target-molecules to in the gold layer embedded functionalized nanodiamonds. This binding can be done by all possible interconnections provided from carbon chemistry.
Data Source
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AI summary
The application relates to a sensor using a gold layer (3) with embedded nanodiamonds (2) on which surface plasmon resonance (SPR) is used to detect target molecules (5).