Perpendicular Magnetic Biosensor for High-Throughput Biomolecule Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing magnetic biosensing systems are limited in their ability to simultaneously test large numbers of samples due to the requirement for large, powerful magnets and in-plane magnetic field configurations, which are not suitable for bench-top operations and are inefficient in terms of power usage and sample handling.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic biosensing system that applies an external magnetic field perpendicular to the major plane of the free and fixed layers, allowing for the simultaneous testing of thousands of samples within a short time frame, using a configuration with out-of-plane magnetic anisotropy and a multi-probe stage for efficient sample handling and electronic control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an in-plane external magnetic field configuration is used, then accurate detection of biomolecules can be achieved, but large magnets are required which are not suitable for bench-top operation and consume large amounts of power
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the orientation parameter of the magnetic field from in-plane to perpendicular relative to the magnetic layers. This parameter change allows the use of smaller magnets while maintaining detection accuracy, thereby reducing power consumption and enabling bench-top operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional in-plane magnetic field configuration to a three-dimensional perpendicular magnetic field configuration. By applying the magnetic field in the perpendicular dimension, the system achieves accurate biomolecule detection with smaller, more power-efficient magnets suitable for bench-top operation.
2Measurement precision
If an in-plane external magnetic field configuration is used, then accurate detection of biomolecules can be achieved, but the system cannot test large numbers of samples simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a perpendicular magnetic field configuration that enables the magnetic field to uniformly penetrate multiple sample locations simultaneously. This dimensional change in field orientation allows parallel processing of many samples, dramatically increasing throughput while preserving detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The perpendicular magnetic field configuration serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides accurate detection for each individual sample while also enabling parallel testing of numerous samples. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction between measurement precision and productivity.
3Measurement precision
If large magnets are used to generate uniform in-plane magnetic field, then detection accuracy is maintained, but the device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the magnetic field orientation parameter from in-plane to perpendicular, which fundamentally alters the magnet system requirements. This parameter change enables the use of simpler, smaller magnet assemblies that are easier to implement while maintaining the same detection accuracy.
4Measurement precision
If in-plane magnetic field configuration is used, then biomolecule detection can be performed, but automatic handling and high-throughput testing are not enabled
Solution Approach 1:
By switching to a perpendicular magnetic field configuration, the system enables automated sample handling mechanisms to be positioned directly over the sensing area without interfering with magnetic field generation. This dimensional change facilitates integration with automated liquid handling robots and high-throughput sample processing systems.
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 high-throughput testing of multiple samples simultaneously with improved uniformity and efficiency, reducing power consumption and enabling automatic handling, making it suitable for bench-top biomedical detection systems.
Implementation Method 1
When an external applied field is applied to the sensor, e.g., using an electromagnet or a permanent magnet, the magnetic moment of the free layer rotates to an orientation determined by the effective magnetic field applied to the layer
Implementation Method 2
the magnetic moment of the free layer rotates to an orientation determined by the effective magnetic field applied to the layer, which may include components from the external applied field, magnetic fields from any magnetic objects
Implementation Method 3
an external magnetic field is applied to the magnetic sensor that is perpendicular to the major plane of the free layer and the fixed layer
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetic biosensor can include a magnetic stack comprising a free layer, a fixed layer, and a nonmagnetic layer between the free layer and the fixed layer. At least one of the free layer or the fixed layer may have a magnetic moment oriented out of a major plane of the free layer or the fixed layer, respectively, in an absence of an external magnetic field. The magnetic biosensor also may include a sample container disposed over the magnetic stack, a plurality of capture antibodies attached to a bottom surface of the sample container above the magnetic stack, and a magnetic field generator configured to generate a magnetic field substantially perpendicular to the major plane of the free layer or fixed layer.