Piezoelectric Biosensor Structure for Low-Cost Point-of-Care Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing biosensors, such as spectrophotometers, are costly to manufacture and operate due to expensive components and require time-intensive bio-testing procedures, making them unsuitable for Point-of-Care (PoC) applications.
Innovation Solution
A piezoelectric biosensor is developed, comprising a piezoelectric structure between electrodes on a semiconductor substrate, which analyzes bio-entities by detecting changes in electrical properties due to mechanical stress, allowing for a smaller form factor and simplified testing procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional biosensors (spectrophotometers) are used, then detection capability is achieved, but manufacturing and operational costs are high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional optical/mechanical biosensing systems with a piezoelectric-based detection system. The piezoelectric structure converts mechanical stress from bio-entity binding into electrical signals, eliminating the need for expensive optical components and complex mechanical systems while maintaining detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from optical properties (in traditional biosensors) to electrical properties (in the piezoelectric biosensor). By measuring changes in electrical charge or voltage generated by the piezoelectric structure in response to mechanical stress, the system achieves comparable detection sensitivity with simpler, cheaper components.
2Productivity
If traditional biosensors are used, then detection accuracy is maintained, but testing procedures are time-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The piezoelectric detection system provides real-time electrical signal output as bio-entities bind to the sensing structure, eliminating the need for time-intensive optical measurement procedures and data processing steps required by traditional biosensors, thereby accelerating testing while maintaining precision.
3Volume of moving object
If traditional biosensors are used, then comprehensive analysis is achieved, but device size is large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary components from traditional biosensor systems, retaining only the essential piezoelectric sensing structure and minimal supporting electronics. This extraction reduces device volume while preserving the core analysis capability for detecting bio-entities in fluid samples.
Solution Approach 2:
The piezoelectric sensing structure serves multiple functions: it acts as both the sensing element and the transduction element, eliminating the need for separate optical paths, detectors, and processing mechanisms. This multi-functionality enables comprehensive bio-entity analysis in a compact form factor suitable for point-of-care applications.
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 piezoelectric biosensor reduces manufacturing and operational costs while enabling faster analysis, making it suitable for PoC applications with a more economical and efficient bio-testing process.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric structure disposed on the first electrode... analyzes a specific property of the bio-entities... by detecting changes in electrical properties due to mechanical stress
Data Source
AI summary
In some embodiments, a piezoelectric biosensor is provided. The piezoelectric biosensor includes a semiconductor substrate. A first electrode is disposed over the semiconductor substrate. A piezoelectric structure is disposed on the first electrode. A second electrode is disposed on the piezoelectric structure. A sensing reservoir is disposed over the piezoelectric structure and exposed to an ambient environment, where the sensing reservoir is configured to collect a fluid comprising a number of bio-entities.