Optical Waveguide Biosensor with Molecular Switches
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing biosensor technologies for continuous in vivo measurement of specific biomolecules are limited by lack of chemical specificity, detection sensitivity, spatial resolution, and temporal resolution, making them difficult to generalize beyond a handful of molecules like blood, oxygen, and glucose.
Innovation Solution
An optical probe system comprising an optical waveguide with molecular switches and optical reporters that change conformation upon binding to target molecules, producing detectable optical signals, allowing for real-time, continuous measurement of multiple biomolecules with high sensitivity and specificity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional biochemical sensors are used for real-time detection, then detection capability for specific molecules (blood, oxygen, glucose) is achieved, but chemical specificity, detection sensitivity, spatial resolution, and temporal resolution are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by creating a single optical waveguide platform that can detect multiple different biomolecules through functionalization with various molecular switches. The waveguide itself is universal, while the molecular switches provide specific recognition for different targets, enabling one system to perform multiple detection functions simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses molecular switches as intermediary elements between the optical waveguide and target biomolecules. These molecular switches serve as mediators that translate biochemical binding events into optical signal changes, enabling the waveguide to detect diverse molecules with high sensitivity and specificity.
2Productivity
If existing biosensor technology is used, then a handful of molecules can be measured continuously, but lack of chemical specificity prevents detection of other biomarkers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional biochemical detection mechanisms with an optical detection system. Instead of relying on biochemical features for signal generation, the system uses optical waveguides and molecular switches that convert binding events into optical signals, providing superior chemical specificity while maintaining continuous measurement capability.
3Loss of time
If conventional sensors are deployed, then real-time detection of limited molecules is possible, but spatial resolution and temporal resolution are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by functionalizing specific regions of the optical waveguide with particular molecular switches. Different sections of the waveguide can be tailored to detect different biomolecules, enabling spatially resolved multiplexed detection with high temporal resolution throughout the sensing region.
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 continuous, real-time detection of multiple biomolecules with high sensitivity and specificity, overcoming the limitations of existing technologies by utilizing optical waveguides with molecular switches and reporters to transmit and detect optical signals from the waveguide.
Implementation Method 1
an optical waveguide configured to propagate an excitation light
Implementation Method 2
one or more molecular switches attached to a surface of the optical waveguide, either at the end facet or along one or more side wall of the optical waveguide each molecular switch configured to change from a first conformation to a second conformation upon binding to a target molecule
Implementation Method 3
one or more optical reporters, each optical reporter attached to a respective molecular switch and configured, when exposed to the excitation light, to produce an optical signal that changes upon binding of the molecular switch to a target molecule
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure provides an optical probe comprising an optical waveguide attached to a molecular switch that produces an altered optical signal upon binding a target molecule. The disclosure also provides an optical sensor system comprising an optical probe, a light source configured to emit the excitation light to be coupled into the optical waveguide of the optical probe; and a detector.