Non-Specific Binding Array for Sample Fingerprinting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for fingerprinting complex liquids like wine or water face challenges in sensitivity and specificity, particularly when using specific binder arrays, which are limited by non-specific interactions and require complex designs or signal processing to overcome low selectivity.
Innovation Solution
Employing an array with multiple different interacting surfaces, including non-specific interacting materials that change electromagnetically readable properties when contacted with samples and labeling reactants, allowing for the detection of unique fingerprints through luminescence or other electromagnetic changes, even at low concentrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If specific binder arrays are used for fingerprinting, then specificity is improved, but non-specific interactions increase and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The array is divided into multiple independent sensing elements (microparticles or surface regions), each capable of detecting different analytes or providing different signals. This segmentation allows complex samples to be analyzed through multiple parallel measurements, improving specificity without requiring a single complex binder system
Solution Approach 2:
The array uses non-specific binders that can interact with multiple types of analytes simultaneously. Rather than requiring specific binders for each target, the system uses universal non-specific binding surfaces that generate distinctive fingerprint patterns for different samples, reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision
2Device complexity
If non-specific binder arrays are used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to low selectivity
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from single-dimension specific binding to multi-dimensional fingerprinting by combining multiple non-specific binder interactions. Each binder contributes a different signal dimension (intensity, kinetics, pattern), and collective analysis of these dimensions provides high selectivity despite individual non-specificity
Solution Approach 2:
Signal processing and pattern recognition algorithms act as intermediaries that transform the non-specific binder signals into specific fingerprint identifications. The computational analysis distinguishes between different samples based on subtle variations in the fingerprint patterns, achieving high measurement precision without complex physical binder designs
3Measurement precision
If traditional chromatography or mass-spectrometry is used, then measurement precision is high, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses disposable microparticle arrays or surface-coated substrates that can be manufactured at low cost using simple coating techniques. These single-use arrays eliminate the need for expensive, complex instrumentation while providing sufficient detection accuracy for fingerprinting applications
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces complex mechanical separation systems (chromatography) and high-energy mass analysis instruments with simple optical or electrochemical detection of binder interactions. The fingerprinting is achieved through pattern recognition of binding signals rather than physical separation or mass measurement, dramatically reducing device complexity
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
This approach enhances sensitivity and selectivity, enabling the detection of subtle differences in samples and providing a straightforward, cost-effective method for characterizing complex fluids with higher sensitivity and wider application than traditional chromatography or mass-spectrometry.
Implementation Method 1
at least one of the surfaces comprises a non-specific interacting material. The non-specific interacting material advantageously non-specifically interacts with the sample, at least one labelling reactant, or combination of the sample and at least one labelling reactant
Implementation Method 2
The labelling reactant either as such or in combination with said sample is adapted to change at least one electromagnetically readable property of at least one interacting surface of said array
Implementation Method 3
detecting the fingerprint by detecting the luminescence of the luminophore
Data Source
Figure 1~2C
Figure 2D~2F
Figure 3A~4
AI summary
Characterizing and/or determining a sample employs an array of at least two of different interacting surfaces, at least one of which comprises a non-specific interacting material non-specifically interacting said sample,at least one labelling reactant, and/or combination of the sample and at least one labelling reactant. The sample and at least one labelling reactant is introduced to interact with said interacting surfaces of said array, wherein said labelling reactant is adapted to change at least one electromagnetically readable property of at least one interacting surface of said array. Then at a predetermined time point said electromagnetically readable property of at least one of said at least two different interacting surfaces of said array is detected to obtain a fingerprint of said sample; and the sample is characterized and/or determined by comparing said fingerprint of said sample with i)at least one fingerprint of at least one corresponding sample, ii)at least one finger print of an array obtained without a sample, and/or iii)at least one fingerprint of known samples.