Particle-Motion Biosensor Without Tethers for Sensitive Analyte Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing biosensors for in vivo biochemical sensing face challenges in maintaining biocompatibility, reliability, and ease of use while effectively monitoring dynamic changes in biological systems, particularly for low-concentration biomolecules, and lack sensitivity and precision in measuring biomolecular interactions.
Innovation Solution
A biosensor device utilizing non-tethered particles that switch between associated and non-associated states with a surface based on analyte presence, allowing for continuous molecular biosensing through Brownian motion, with adjustable particle-surface distance for enhanced sensitivity and precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If tethered particle motion (TPM) technique is used to measure biomolecules, then measurement capability is achieved, but steric hindrance interferes with sensitivity and particle bonding to surface occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the tether component from the TPM system, allowing particles to move freely near the surface without being constrained by a physical tether. This extraction of the tether eliminates the steric hindrance that interfered with sensitivity in traditional TPM, while particles remain confined near the surface through controlled adhesion forces.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of tethering particles to the surface (traditional TPM), the patent inverts the approach by having particles freely associate and dissociate from the surface. The binding interaction itself becomes the confinement mechanism rather than a rigid tether, reversing the traditional constraint methodology.
2Duration of action of moving object
If in vivo biochemical sensing is implemented, then continuous monitoring capability is achieved, but biocompatibility and reliability requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The biosensor system performs self-contained operations within the biological environment. The particles spontaneously associate and dissociate from the surface based on analyte presence, requiring no external control mechanisms. This self-service capability enhances reliability in vivo while maintaining biocompatibility through minimal system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes changes in particle-surface binding parameters (association/dissociation rates) in response to analyte concentration. By monitoring these dynamic parameter changes rather than requiring complex sensor mechanisms, the system achieves continuous monitoring with improved biocompatibility and reliability.
3Stability of the object's composition
If fixed tethers are used in biosensors, then particle positioning is achieved, but steric hindrance reduces sensing sensitivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static tethered positioning to dynamic particle-surface association. Particles freely move in and out of the detection zone near the surface, with their confinement being dynamic rather than fixed. This dynamic approach maintains particle positioning stability while eliminating steric hindrance, thereby improving sensing sensitivity.
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, robust, and precise sensing of low-concentration biomolecules with improved sensitivity and reduced steric hindrance, facilitating reliable monitoring of dynamic biological systems without the limitations of fixed tethers.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing non-tethered particles that switch between associated and non-associated states with a surface based on analyte presence, allowing for continuous molecular biosensing through Brownian motion
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a biosensor device for sensing an analyte over a period of time using particle motion, the biosensor device having a surface and a particle, wherein the particle and/or the surface are functionalized, and wherein the biosensor device has a first state in which the particle is associated with the surface and a second state in which the particle is not associated with the surface, and wherein switching between the first and second states depends on the presence, absence and/or concentration of the analyte, whereby motion characteristics of the particle change depending on the presence, absence and/or concentration of the analyte, thereby allowing sensing of the analyte by measuring changes in a spatial coordinate parameter of the particle relative to the surface, and wherein the properties of the particle and surface are selected such that in the second state the particle is within the vicinity of the surface such that the biosensor is able to measure changes in a spatial coordinate parameter of the particle relative to the surface, preferably wherein the distance between the particle and the surface in the second state is within the range of 5 nm to 10 μm and wherein the particle is not conjugated to the surface.