Patterned Bulge Carrier for Single Molecule Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional glass substrates coated with aggregated silver particle films are not suitable for detecting low concentration single molecules due to weak Raman scattering signals and low resolution in Raman spectroscopy.

Innovation Solution

A carrier for single molecule detection is developed, featuring a substrate with a patterned bulge structure and a metal layer, where the substrate is coated with a carbon nanotube composite structure to enhance surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), improving the detection sensitivity by creating a nano-scale surface with intersecting strip-shaped bulges and holes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a smooth glass substrate is used, then the device structure is simple, but the Raman scattering signal is weak and detection resolution is low

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection resolutionVSAvoidsubstrate structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The substrate surface is segmented into numerous nano-scale protrusions distributed across the surface. Each protrusion acts as an independent SERS active site, creating multiple enhancement zones that collectively improve detection resolution and signal strength while maintaining a relatively simple overall substrate structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The substrate surface is transformed from a two-dimensional smooth plane to a three-dimensional nano-scale protrusion structure. This dimensional change creates surface plasmon resonance effects and electromagnetic field enhancement at the protrusion tips, significantly boosting Raman scattering signals without complicating the fundamental substrate design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Measurement precision

If aggregated silver particle film is coated on smooth glass substrate, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the Raman scattering signal strength is insufficient for low concentration samples

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveRaman scattering signal strengthVSAvoidcarrier manufacturing

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The surface morphology parameter is changed from smooth to nano-scale protrusions, and the metal layer is transformed from aggregated particles to a continuous thin film. These parameter changes maximize electromagnetic field enhancement while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through conventional deposition techniques.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The carrier combines a glass substrate with a metal layer (silver, gold, or copper) to create a composite structure. The glass provides mechanical support while the metal layer generates surface plasmon resonance, creating a synergistic effect that enhances Raman scattering signals without complicating the manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Measurement precision

If aggregated silver particle film is used, then the coating process is simple, but the detection sensitivity is low for single molecules at low concentrations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection sensitivityVSAvoidsurface structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The metal layer is segmented into numerous nano-scale protrusions distributed across the substrate surface. Each protrusion creates localized electromagnetic field enhancement zones that act as SERS active sites, significantly improving detection sensitivity for single molecules while maintaining a relatively simple continuous film structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The surface morphology parameter is changed from smooth to nano-scale protrusions with controlled height and distribution. This parameter change creates electromagnetic field enhancement at the protrusion tips through surface plasmon resonance, boosting detection sensitivity without requiring complex aggregated particle structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

The enhanced SERS effect significantly improves the detection sensitivity, allowing for the accurate detection of single molecules at low concentrations by increasing the Raman scattering signal strength.

Implementation Method 1

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSurface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS):

Data Source

PatentUS10145798B2Carrier for single molecule detection

Publication Date: 2018.12.04 HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO LTD

AI summary

The disclosure relates to a carrier for single molecule detection. The carrier includes a substrate and a metal layer on the substrate, wherein the substrate includes a base and a patterned bulge located on a surface of the base, the patterned bulge includes a number of strip-shaped bulges intersected with each other to form a net and define a number of holes, and the metal layer is located on the patterned bulge. The carrier for single molecule detection has a relative higher SERS and can enhance the Raman scattering.