Nanosensor Segmentation for Wide Dynamic Range Analyte Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current analyte detection and quantification systems struggle to measure analytes with high sensitivity over a large dynamic range, particularly for biomarkers present at very low concentrations in biological samples.
Innovation Solution
A nanostructure-based sensor system comprising multiple regions with different nanostructures, capable of binding analytes and producing detectable signals across various concentration ranges, allowing for quantification across a wide dynamic range without the need for sample dilution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If standard ELISA assays are used for analyte detection, then the assay is simple and widely applicable, but the detection limit is at or above 100 μg/mL, which is too high for detecting biomarkers at pg/mL levels
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is divided into multiple regions, each containing nanostructures optimized for different concentration ranges. The first region detects low concentrations (pg/mL) while the second region detects high concentrations (μg/mL), allowing the system to maintain high measurement precision across a wide dynamic range without requiring multiple separate assays.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the sensor have different nanostructure characteristics tailored to their specific detection ranges. The first region uses nanostructures with higher sensitivity for low-concentration analytes, while the second region uses nanostructures optimized for high-concentration analytes, enabling the sensor to achieve both low detection limits and high dynamic range.
2Measurement precision
If digital ELISA assays are used to detect sub-pg/mL levels, then the detection sensitivity is improved, but the dynamic range is limited to about 3-4 orders of magnitude
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is segmented into multiple functional regions: a first region for detecting low concentrations (pg/mL) and a second region for detecting high concentrations (μg/mL). This segmentation allows the system to achieve both high detection sensitivity and an extended dynamic range of 5-12 orders of magnitude by combining the capabilities of both regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system is designed to perform multiple detection functions within a single device. It can detect analytes across a wide concentration range (5-12 orders of magnitude) using different nanostructure regions, making it universally applicable for detecting both low-concentration biomarkers and high-concentration analytes without requiring multiple separate assays.
3Adaptability or versatility
If current analytical methods are used for monitoring CRS response, then the methods are available, but they cannot provide a dynamic range of 6 or more orders of magnitude with the requisite lower limit of detection
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is divided into multiple regions with different detection capabilities. The first region is optimized for detecting low-concentration analytes (pg/mL range) while the second region handles high-concentration analytes (μg/mL range). This segmentation enables the system to achieve a dynamic range of 6 or more orders of magnitude while maintaining a low limit of detection, addressing the limitations of current analytical methods for CRS monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor utilizes different nanostructure parameters (such as size, shape, and surface properties) in different regions to optimize detection for specific concentration ranges. By changing these parameters across regions, the sensor achieves both high dynamic range and low limit of detection, enabling accurate monitoring of analytes across 6 or more orders of magnitude.
4Measurement precision
If multiple separate assays are used to cover different concentration ranges, then each assay can be optimized for its range, but the overall system complexity and assay time increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple detection regions with different concentration range optimizations are merged into a single sensor platform. The first and second regions work simultaneously on the same sample, eliminating the need for multiple separate assays. This merging reduces assay time while maintaining comprehensive concentration range coverage through parallel detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system is designed as a universal platform that can detect analytes across a wide dynamic range (5-12 orders of magnitude) in a single assay. By integrating multiple functional regions into one device, the system eliminates the time loss associated with performing multiple separate assays while maintaining the measurement precision required for different concentration ranges.
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 sensor system achieves high sensitivity and a dynamic range of at least 5-12 orders of magnitude, enabling accurate detection and quantification of analytes from very low (pg/mL) to high (mg/mL) concentrations in a single test.
Implementation Method 1
The first region comprises a first series of nanostructures capable of binding the analyte and producing a detectable signal indicative of a concentration of the analyte in the sample within a first concentration range
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is at nanosensor having a high dynamic range and sensitivity for detecting the presence, and/or quantifying the amount, of an analyte in a sample of interest. Also provided is a cartridge incorporating the nanosensor, and a method and system for detecting the presence, and/or quantifying the amount, of the analyte in the sample of interest.