Nanostructure Pixel Sensor for Quantitative Biomolecule Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional SPR sensors based on the Kretschmann prism configuration are restricted to laboratory environments due to sensitive optical alignment and bulky instrumentation, and they primarily support qualitative detection rather than quantitative measurement for biomolecule interactions, requiring costly micro- and nano-fabrication facilities and bulky spectral instruments.
Innovation Solution
An optical nanostructure sensing device and image analysis method that utilizes nanostructure pixels with periodic nanostructures, where a light beam is illuminated at a predetermined angle to capture images, determining a sensing process based on wavelength shifts, allowing for quantitative detection of analytes without the need for complex instrumentation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional SPR sensors based on Kretschmann prism configuration are used, then sensing capability is achieved, but device complexity and instrument bulkiness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical Kretschmann prism configuration with a nanohole array structure that directly excites surface plasmon resonances. This substitution eliminates the need for precise optical alignment mechanisms while maintaining sensing capability, as the nanohole array provides a fixed geometric structure for plasmon excitation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental operating parameters from prism-based angle-dependent excitation to nanohole array-based wavelength-dependent excitation. By using a broad-spectrum light source and detecting transmitted intensity at a fixed angle, the system transforms the sensing mechanism to eliminate alignment sensitivity while preserving detection capability.
2Reliability
If conventional SPR sensors are used, then qualitative detection is achieved, but quantitative measurement capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a spatial dimension to the detection by using an array of nanoholes with varying periodic spacings across the substrate. Each nanohole position corresponds to a specific wavelength resonance, creating a spatial map of spectral information that enables quantitative measurement through image analysis rather than requiring bulky spectral instruments.
3Reliability
If nanohole arrays are fabricated using conventional methods, then plasmonic sensing is achieved, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a simple mask pattern that can be replicated through standard photolithography to create the nanohole array. Instead of requiring complex nano-fabrication for each hole, the periodic structure is defined by a single mask design that is copied across the entire substrate, dramatically simplifying manufacturing while maintaining plasmonic performance.
4Measurement precision
If bulky spectral instruments are used, then spectral analysis is achieved, but device portability and cost are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the spectral analysis function from bulky external spectrometers and integrates it directly into the nanohole array structure itself. The array acts as a spatial spectral disperser, where different wavelengths are transmitted at different positions, allowing a simple camera or photodetector array to perform spectral analysis without requiring complex optical components.
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
Enables portable, cost-effective, and quantitative detection of biomolecules by analyzing wavelength shifts in images from nanostructure pixels, facilitating real-time monitoring of molecular interactions without the need for precision spectrometers.
Implementation Method 1
Metallic nanostructures can directly excite surface plasmon resonances, whereas the excitation of a planar metallic thin film in the traditional SPR sensing requires a prism to couple light from a specific angle of incidence
Implementation Method 2
The transmitted image contains spectral information about the interaction between the light and the analyte, which is encoded in the intensity distribution across the image
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an optical nanostructure sensing device and an image analysis method. The image analysis method includes: illuminating a light beam from a predetermined incident angle onto a nanostructure pixel sensor; capturing images of the nanostructure pixel sensor when applying an analyte on the nanostructure pixel sensor; obtaining a relationship of periodic spacing and brightness from each of the images; and obtaining wavelength values from the relationship of periodic spacing and brightness at a predetermined brightness value; and determining a sensing process based on a wavelength shift of the wavelength values. The nanostructure pixel sensor includes a plurality of the nanostructure pixels, each of the nanostructure pixels includes periodic nanostructures, and the relationship of periodic spacing and brightness is based on the brightness of the nanostructure pixels having different periodic spacings.