Opposing-Surface BAW Resonators for Faster Analyte Binding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional biochemical sensing devices face challenges with large size, high cost, inconsistent analyte distribution, and prolonged measurement times due to multiple resonators and fluidic connections, as well as low analyte binding rates.
Innovation Solution
The use of multiple bulk acoustic wave (BAW) resonator structures arranged along opposing surfaces of a channel, with specific piezoelectric material orientations to enable dominant shear or longitudinal responses, enhancing analyte binding and mixing, and incorporating functionalization materials for efficient sensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple resonators are used to improve sensing capability, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and footprint increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple resonators into a single integrated device structure where multiple active regions are formed within one resonator body. This merging approach allows multiple sensing functions to be achieved without proportionally increasing the overall device footprint, as the resonators share common structural elements and fluidic pathways.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes vertical stacking and three-dimensional arrangement of active regions within the resonator structure. By arranging sensing zones in multiple dimensions (including vertical layers and opposing surfaces), the device achieves enhanced sensing capability without linearly increasing the planar footprint, effectively utilizing spatial volume rather than just surface area.
2Measurement precision
If multiple fluidic connections are used to support multiple resonators, then sensing capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a shared fluidic system where a single fluidic channel serves multiple active regions and resonators. The fluidic connection is designed to distribute sample fluid to multiple sensing zones simultaneously, allowing one fluidic pathway to perform the function of multiple separate connections, thereby reducing overall system complexity and cost.
3Productivity
If conventional single-surface resonator arrangement is used, then device simplicity is maintained, but analyte binding rate and measurement speed are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single-surface resonator arrangement to a multi-surface configuration where active regions are formed on opposing surfaces and within the bulk of the resonator. This three-dimensional distribution of active regions exponentially increases the available binding surface area for analyte interaction, dramatically improving binding rates and measurement speed without requiring a proportional increase in device volume.
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 configuration reduces the footprint and cost of multi-resonator devices, increases analyte binding rates, and enhances uniformity of analyte distribution, thereby reducing measurement time.
Implementation Method 1
a first piezoelectric material, a first distal electrode arranged between the first piezoelectric material and the first substrate, and a first proximal electrode arranged between the first piezoelectric material and the channel
Implementation Method 2
Since shear waves exhibit a very low penetration depth into a liquid, a device with pure or predominant shear modes can operate in liquids without significant radiation losses
Implementation Method 3
an acoustic wave that propagates through or on the surface of a piezoelectric material, whereby any changes to the characteristics of the propagation path affect the velocity and/or amplitude of the wave
Implementation Method 4
a selective biochemical reaction between a specific binding material (e.g., an antibody, a receptor, a ligand, etc.) and a target species (e.g., molecule, protein, DNA, virus, bacteria, etc.)
Implementation Method 5
Changes in velocity can be monitored by measuring the frequency, amplitude magnitude, or phase characteristics of the sensor and can be correlated to a physical quantity being measured
Data Source
AI summary
Multiple bulk acoustic wave (BAW) resonator structures are arranged along opposing surfaces of a fluidic passage arranged to receive a fluid. At least one resonator structure may be overlaid with functionalization (e.g., specific binding or non-specific binding) material to bind one or more analytes contained in the fluid. Combinations of BAW resonators providing dominant shear response for detection, and providing dominant longitudinal response for mixing or analyte movement, may be provided on one or more surfaces bounding a fluidic passage. Embodiments may reduce the footprint of multi-resonator fluidic device, enhance analyte binding rate, and/or enhance mixing of sample constituents.