Nanoplasmonic Aperture Arrays for Biosensor Sensitivity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current biosensor technologies are inadequate for rapid, label-free, sensitive, and high-throughput detection of biomarkers in whole blood samples, limiting their translation to point-of-care diagnostic applications.

Innovation Solution

Nanoplasmonic devices with a radiation transmissive substrate and metal layers featuring apertures with a stepped or V-shaped cross-sectional profile, integrated into opto-fluidic systems, which allow for the detection and quantification of analytes in biological fluids through surface plasmon polariton generation and functionalized aperture surfaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional biosensor technologies are used, then detection of biomarkers is achieved, but sensitivity and throughput are insufficient for point-of-care applications

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection sensitivityVSAvoidthroughput

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The device segments the detection function into multiple independent aperture elements arranged in arrays, where each aperture acts as an independent sensing unit. This segmentation enables parallel detection of multiple analytes simultaneously, increasing throughput while maintaining high sensitivity through the collective signal from numerous apertures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from conventional two-dimensional sensor surfaces to three-dimensional aperture structures with controlled depth profiles (stepped or V-shaped). This dimensional change creates enhanced electromagnetic field confinement and multiple internal reflections, significantly improving detection sensitivity while the array arrangement maintains high throughput

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Speed

If conventional biosensor designs are used, then biomarker detection is possible, but rapid analysis of whole blood samples cannot be achieved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanalysis speedVSAvoiddetection sensitivity

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces conventional mechanical or chemical detection mechanisms with plasmonic field-based detection. Surface plasmon polaritons generated at the metal-dielectric interfaces within the apertures provide rapid, label-free detection without requiring mechanical manipulation or complex chemical reactions, enabling fast analysis while maintaining high sensitivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the optical parameters of the detection system by utilizing resonance conditions of surface plasmon polaritons. By tuning the aperture geometry (width, depth, profile) and metal layer properties, the system achieves rapid detection response through resonant enhancement of electromagnetic fields, simultaneously improving speed and sensitivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of manufacture

If simple aperture structures are used, then device fabrication is easier, but detection sensitivity is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefabrication simplicityVSAvoiddetection sensitivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention utilizes aperture structures that create controlled porosity or void spaces within the metal layer. These porous/aperture regions allow penetration of biological samples and enhancement of electromagnetic field interactions, improving sensitivity while the apertures can be fabricated using standard lithography and etching techniques, maintaining ease of manufacture

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

Solution Approach 2:

The device employs composite structures combining metal layers (for plasmonic activity) with dielectric or semiconductor substrates (for mechanical support and additional optical functionality). This composite approach enhances detection sensitivity through material property optimization while utilizing established thin-film deposition and patterning techniques for straightforward fabrication

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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

These devices enable sensitive and rapid analysis of biological fluids, facilitating point-of-care diagnostics by enhancing the detection of biomarkers in whole blood samples with improved sensitivity and throughput.

Implementation Method 1

which allow for the detection and quantification of analytes in biological fluids through surface plasmon polariton generation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSurface plasmon polariton generation:

Data Source

PatentUS12078595B2Nanoplasmonic devices and applications thereof

Publication Date: 2024.09.03 THE UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA AT GREENSBORO

AI summary

In one aspect, nanoplasmonic devices are described herein. In some embodiments, a nanoplasmonic device comprises a radiation transmissive substrate, a metal layer positioned on the substrate and at least one aperture extending through the metal layer to the radiation transmissive substrate, wherein width of the aperture decreases with increasing depth of the aperture.