Planar Cartridge Sensor for Magnetic Cluster Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting clusters of magnetic particles in a clinical environment are hindered by the need for complex setups and are not suitable for handheld, miniaturized biosensor platforms, particularly due to issues with sensitivity and non-specific particle clustering in complex biological matrices.
Innovation Solution
A sensor apparatus and method utilizing a planar cartridge with a light source, magnetic field generator, and light detector, where the sample is exposed to a modulated magnetic field and illuminated with excitation light, allowing for the detection of clusters through scattered or fluorescence light, with the light detector positioned adjacent to the cartridge to minimize background signals and enhance signal-to-noise ratio.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a complex setup is used for detecting magnetic particle clusters, then detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases and portability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into a portable reader device and a separate cartridge containing the sample chamber and detection components. This segmentation allows the complex detection mechanism to be contained in a disposable cartridge while the reader remains a manageable portable device, resolving the contradiction between detection capability and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
A planar cartridge serves as an intermediary component between the sample and the detection system. The cartridge contains the sample chamber, magnetic field generator, and optical components in an integrated planar structure, enabling complex detection functions to be achieved through a simple-to-handle intermediate carrier.
2Measurement precision
If the light detector is positioned close to the sample chamber, then signal-to-noise ratio is improved by minimizing background signals, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light source, sample chamber, and light detector are merged into a single planar cartridge structure. This integration allows the detector to be positioned immediately adjacent to the sample chamber for optimal signal detection, while the entire assembly is manufactured as a single low-cost disposable component rather than a complex assembled device.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical detection system transitions from a three-dimensional bulky arrangement to a two-dimensional planar configuration. The planar cartridge lays out the optical path in a flat geometry, enabling close positioning of detector to sample while maintaining a compact, simple overall structure that is easy to manufacture and dispose.
3Ease of manufacture
If a planar cartridge design is used, then ease of manufacture and cost-effectiveness are improved, but sensitivity may be reduced compared to traditional three-dimensional setups
Solution Approach 1:
The optical detection parameters are optimized for the planar geometry, including the excitation light wavelength, detection angle, and magnetic field modulation frequency. These parameter adjustments compensate for the reduced optical path length in the planar design, maintaining sensitivity while enabling simple manufacturing through standard planar fabrication techniques.
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 efficient detection of magnetic clusters in small sample volumes, reducing non-specific clustering and improving sensitivity, making it suitable for point-of-care applications with a compact, cost-effective, and scalable system.
Implementation Method 1
A magnetic field generator for generating a modulated (i.e. time-variable) magnetic field in the sample chamber. The magnetic field will usually be such that it induces a correspondingly modulated movement of clusters comprising magnetic particles.
Implementation Method 2
The output light may particularly comprise light that was generated by the scattering of excitation light by clusters
Implementation Method 3
the output light may particularly comprise light that was generated by the scattering of excitation light by clusters and/or fluorescence light of fluorescent clusters that were excited by the excitation light
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a sensor apparatus (100) and a method for detecting clusters with magnetic particles in a sample. The sample is provided in at least one sample chamber (114) of a substantially planar cartridge (110) that is exposed to a modulated magnetic field (Bxz, Byz) generated by a magnetic field generator (190). The sample chamber (114) is illuminated with excitation light (L0), and the resulting output light (Ls) is detected by a light detector (180). The magnetic field (Bxz, Byz) may particularly rotate, inducing a corresponding rotation of clusters which in turn induces a variation of the detection signal (S). According to a preferred embodiment, excitation light (L0) is focused onto blocking spots (173) behind the sample chamber (114), thus shielding the light detector (180) from direct illumination.