Planar Microparticles with Structural Foot for Mechanical Release

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for manufacturing microparticles are limited by the need for chemical functionalization, which can be complex and damaging, and lack the ability to multiplex multiple molecules on a single particle, making it difficult to analyze small volumes effectively.

Innovation Solution

The development of an array of planar microparticles with a structural foot that allows for controlled mechanical release without chemical agents, enabling surface molecular multiplexing and functionalization, using microelectronic technology to create particles with varying geometry and dimensions for versatile applications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If chemical functionalization methods are used to manufacture microparticles, then particles can be produced with functional surfaces, but the process becomes complex and may damage molecular integrity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctionalization processVSAvoidmolecular damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces chemical functionalization methods with a mechanical approach. Microparticles are manufactured with pre-defined surface geometries through microelectronic fabrication techniques, and functional molecules are attached through controlled mechanical processes rather than chemical reactions, thereby avoiding chemical damage to molecular integrity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs surface functionalization before particle release. The microparticle surfaces are prepared with specific geometries and functional groups during the fabrication process on the substrate, allowing subsequent molecular attachment without requiring harsh chemical treatments after particle formation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If traditional particle production methods are used, then particles can be manufactured, but multiple molecules cannot be multiplexed on a single particle

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparticle productionVSAvoidmolecular multiplexing

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates microparticles with locally differentiated surface properties. Different regions of each particle's surface have distinct geometries and functional characteristics, enabling the attachment of different molecular types to different locations on the same particle,从而实现 molecular multiplexing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from uniform particle surfaces to surfaces with controlled three-dimensional topography. By introducing surface geometry as an additional dimension of control, the patent enables multiple functional zones on each particle, allowing simultaneous attachment of different molecules

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of operation

If chemical release methods are used to separate microparticles from substrate, then particles can be released, but molecular integrity is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparticle releaseVSAvoidmolecular integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces chemical release methods with mechanical release techniques. Microparticles are detached from the substrate through controlled mechanical forces such as shear stress or acoustic waves, avoiding chemical agents that could damage surface-functionalized molecules

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Manufacturing precision

If microelectronic technology is used to create planar microparticles, then particles with controlled geometry and dimensions can be produced, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparticle geometryVSAvoidmanufacturing process

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses microelectronic fabrication techniques that provide multi-functionality. The same manufacturing platform produces particles with controlled geometry, surface area, and surface chemistry, consolidating multiple fabrication functions into a single process flow

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11921110B2Method for producing an array of planar microparticles with surface molecular multiplexing, resulting array and use thereof

Publication Date: 2024.03.05 CONSEJO SUPERIOR DE INVESTIGACIONES CIENTIFICAS (CSIC)

AI summary

A method for controlled production of an array of planar microparticles with the multiplexing of molecules on the surface thereof, intended to function as molecular sensors and/or actuators and a matrix (array) of microparticles, the surface thereof being printed with all of the molecular components required to provide the surface with functionality. Different molecular elements are multiplexed on the surface of each particle while they are supported on a substrate by means of a structural foot engraved below the particle. These microparticles can be released mechanically from the support on which they are produced using a controlled mechanical rupture method which is not chemically aggressive and therefore does not affect the molecules previously printed on the surface. The array and the particles contained therein offer great versatility in both chemical and/or biological applications.