Phase-Coupled Antigen Substrates for Label-Free Rapid Diagnostics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting and quantifying biomolecules such as viruses and antibodies are limited by low sensitivity, requiring labels that reduce speed and allowing only qualitative results, with existing rapid tests missing 60% of coronavirus infections and PCR tests being time-consuming and prone to errors.
Innovation Solution
The method employs novel substrates like smooth silicon or aluminum that oxidize to form a phase-coupled electric charge displacement field, allowing biomolecules to couple rapidly and specifically, enabling rapid and quantitative detection of biomolecules in the single-molecule range without labels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If labels such as enzymes, gold particles, or radioactivity are used in diagnostic methods, then detection capability is improved, but measurement speed decreases and the test can no longer be considered rapid
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the label component from the diagnostic system. By using label-free detection through surface plasmon resonance, the method achieves rapid measurement without the speed-reducing labels (enzymes, gold particles, or radioactivity) that are traditionally used to enhance detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical/chemical labeling system with a physical field-based detection system. Surface plasmon resonance uses electromagnetic field interactions at the metal-dielectric interface to detect biomolecules directly, substituting the need for labeled probes and enabling rapid, label-free measurement.
2Speed
If conventional rapid antigen tests are used, then measurement speed is improved, but sensitivity decreases to approximately 3.2 million viruses, missing 60% of coronavirus infections
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the detection parameter from bulk signal detection (used in conventional rapid tests) to single-molecule sensitivity detection. By utilizing surface plasmon resonance with optimized metal layer thickness and dielectric properties, the system achieves both rapid measurement and high sensitivity, detecting individual virus molecules rather than requiring large viral loads.
3Measurement precision
If PCR tests are used to achieve high sensitivity, then detection capability is improved, but measurement time increases to several hours or 39 minutes, requiring 1-2 days waiting time
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the time-consuming PCR amplification process with a direct detection method. Surface plasmon resonance enables real-time detection of biomolecules without requiring amplification steps, reducing measurement time from hours to seconds while maintaining high sensitivity through direct single-molecule detection capability.
4Measurement precision
If PCR tests are used, then detection capability is improved, but quantification is limited with only qualitative distinction between infection levels
Solution Approach 1:
The invention implements continuous feedback measurement through real-time monitoring of surface plasmon resonance signal changes. This enables precise quantification of biomolecule concentration by tracking the magnitude of resonance shifts, providing continuous quantitative information about viral load rather than limited qualitative categories.
5Ease of manufacture
If conventional substrates like polystyrene or nitrocellulose are used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but antigen density is too low for clearly visible burst kinetics and partial desorption occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a composite structure combining a metal substrate (gold or silver) with a dielectric layer. This composite material system provides both manufacturability and superior performance: the metal layer enables surface plasmon resonance with high antigen density, while the dielectric layer prevents desorption and enhances signal stability, overcoming the limitations of conventional single-material substrates.
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 approach enables rapid detection and quantification of biomolecules within seconds, improving sensitivity and accuracy, allowing for precise viral load assessment and reducing false positives/negatives, with the potential for multiple uses of the substrate until biomolecule load limits are reached.
Implementation Method 1
novel substrates like smooth silicon or aluminum that oxidize to form a phase-coupled electric charge displacement field
Implementation Method 2
their vibrations couple together in phase via electric charges or mechanically, wherein an electric charge displacement field of the plurality of antigens or receptors which are coupled in phase is formed
Data Source
AI summary
A method is provided with which biomolecules (5) such as viruses, for example, are quantitatively determined and/or separated very rapidly. Antigens or receptors (2) are directly or indirectly fixed so closely together on a substrate (1) that they couple together in phase. A dynamic charge displacement field is significantly increased compared to a single antigen or receptor (2) by means of the phase coupling, so that biomolecules (5) which are located in the range of the larger charge displacement field move immediately in the direction of the phase-coupled antigens or receptors (2). The binding kinetics are significantly faster than in the case of conventional methods. The invention enables, for example, the construction of a rapid test for coronavirus which can deliver a result within seconds. The sensitivity which can be obtained is that of one virus. The method can be applied to liquids (6) or aerosols (7).