Piezoelectric Sensor Crosslinking for Rapid Analyte Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bioanalytical techniques for detecting target analytes, such as micro-organisms, are time-consuming due to the need for sample culturing, leading to delays in reporting test results.
Innovation Solution
Development of sensors with a piezoelectric base, surface-associated compositions, and crosslinking compositions that can rapidly detect analytes by forming crosslinks in the presence of an analyte, utilizing components like protein A, protein G, or polyclonal antibodies, and an oscillator circuit with automatic gain control for quick analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional culturing methods are used to detect micro-organisms, then detection reliability is improved, but analysis time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the biological culturing process with a piezoelectric sensor-based detection system. The sensor directly detects analytes through mass changes on its surface, eliminating the need for time-consuming culturing while maintaining detection reliability through specific binding interactions between antibodies and analytes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the piezoelectric effect, where mechanical stress or mass changes on the crystal surface generate electrical signals. This phase transition from mechanical to electrical domain enables rapid detection without biological culturing, significantly reducing analysis time while maintaining reliability.
2Loss of time
If rapid detection methods are implemented, then analysis time is reduced, but measurement precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs piezoelectric crystals that convert mass changes into precise frequency shifts. This physical principle provides both rapid response and high measurement precision, as the frequency changes are directly proportional to mass changes on the crystal surface, enabling accurate quantification in real-time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses antibody-analyte binding as an intermediary mechanism. The antibodies on the sensor surface specifically bind to analytes, creating a measurable signal through mass changes. This biological intermediary provides both speed and precision by enabling specific, quantifiable interactions without requiring lengthy culturing processes.
3Speed
If piezoelectric sensors with crosslinking compositions are used, then detection speed is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functional layers into a single integrated sensor structure. The piezoelectric crystal base, surface-associated compositions, and crosslinking compositions are combined in a layered configuration that enables rapid detection while maintaining manageable complexity through systematic integration of components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates surface-associated compositions and crosslinking compositions that are pre-positioned on the piezoelectric crystal before analyte introduction. This preliminary arrangement ensures immediate detection capability upon analyte contact, achieving fast response times without requiring complex real-time assembly processes.
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 rapid and accurate detection of analytes, potentially within seconds, by measuring changes in the sensor's resonant frequency, significantly reducing the time required for analysis compared to traditional methods.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric base, a plurality of surface-associated compositions that are stably associated with the piezoelectric base
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of crosslinking compositions that are configured to crosslink one or more surface-associated compositions in the presence of an analyte
Implementation Method 3
an oscillator circuit that is electrically connected to the at least one electrode and is configured to drive the sensor at one or more frequencies
Data Source
AI summary
A method of making a sensor comprises depositing a plurality of surface-associated compositions on a piezoelectric base. The plurality of surface-associated compositions are adapted to stably associate with the piezoelectric base. The method further comprises depositing a plurality of crosslinking compositions on top of the surface-associated compositions. The crosslinking compositions are configured to bind to an analyte and crosslink one or more of the surface-associated compositions when the analyte binds to an analyte binding domain of a crosslinking composition and the surface-associated compositions include one or more polyclonal antibodies.