Portable Plasmonic Biosensor Direct Signal Transduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LSPR-based biosensors face challenges such as complex structure, indirect detection of plasmonic energy, low sensitivity, and difficulty in functioning with human blood, limiting their effectiveness in disease diagnosis.
Innovation Solution
A portable biosensing system utilizing a plasmonic field effect transistor or photoconductor platform with a microfluidic control unit, back illumination, and a lock-in amplifier to directly convert plasmonic energy into an electrical signal, enabling real-time measurement and multiplexing capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If LSPR-based biosensor is used for disease detection, then sensitivity to biomarkers is improved, but device structure becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary components from traditional LSPR biosensor systems. By using a simple plasmonic sensor chip that directly interacts with biomarkers in microfluidic channels, the system removes complex optical alignment mechanisms, multiple lenses, and complicated detection pathways while maintaining high sensitivity through direct LSPR signal measurement
Solution Approach 2:
The plasmonic sensor chip serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both the sensing element and the detection platform. The microfluidic system integrates sample delivery, mixing, and detection functions into a single compact device, eliminating the need for separate complex subsystems
2Reliability
If indirect detection method is used for plasmonic energy, then detection capability is achieved, but sensitivity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces indirect optical detection methods with direct electrical signal measurement. The plasmonic sensor chip converts LSPR signals directly into measurable electrical responses, eliminating intermediate conversion steps that reduce sensitivity. This direct detection approach maintains full signal strength while improving measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a direct coupling mechanism between the plasmonic nanomaterials and the detection system. By using conductive substrates and direct electrical contact methods, the system eliminates intermediate optical components that cause signal loss, allowing direct transduction of plasmonic energy into detectable signals with maximum sensitivity
3Reliability
If conventional biosensor structure is used, then detection function is provided, but portability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sensing chip, microfluidic system, and detection electronics into a single integrated portable device. The plasmonic sensor chip is directly mounted on the detection platform with microfluidic channels for sample delivery, eliminating the need for separate bulky components and enabling handheld portability while maintaining full detection functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses thin-film plasmonic structures and flexible microfluidic channels that can be integrated into compact portable formats. The sensor chip employs nanoscale plasmonic layers that maintain sensing capability while minimizing device thickness and weight, enabling portable deployment
4Measurement precision
If existing LSPR biosensor is used with human blood, then biomarker detection is possible, but functionality is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the plasmonic nanomaterial properties and surface chemistry parameters to work effectively with complex biological matrices like human blood. By adjusting particle size, shape, and surface functionalization of the plasmonic structures, the system achieves high biomarker detection capability while maintaining robust functionality in real blood samples
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses microfluidic channels that replicate ideal sensing conditions within the complex blood matrix. The microfluidic system creates controlled environments that mimic optimal detection conditions while handling real blood samples, allowing the plasmonic sensor to function at full capability despite the complexity of biological fluids
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 system provides a simpler, more sensitive, and effective method for detecting biomarkers in human fluids, improving disease diagnosis, particularly for cancers and heart diseases, with enhanced sensitivity and functionality in real-time multiplexing.
Implementation Method 1
The mechanism of LSPR involves the hot electron transfer in response to a specific energy being absorbed. This occurs when the plasmonic nanomaterials, mainly metal, are placed in an electromagnetic field where the size of the nanomaterials is much smaller than the wavelength of the incident photons.
Implementation Method 2
The specific energy of this incoming light can induce a resonance of electrons as illustrated in FIG. 1. Thereafter, the induced hot electron has enough energy that it can overcome the Schottky barrier, which is formed at the boundary between metal and a semiconductor
Implementation Method 3
the induced hot electron has enough energy that it can overcome the Schottky barrier, which is formed at the boundary between metal and a semiconductor or non-plasmonically absorbed electrons can also move to a semiconductor part if the metal-semiconductor forms an Ohmic junction.
Implementation Method 4
In addition, the induced hot electron can penetrate the thin insulating wall due to the quantum tunneling effect.
Data Source
AI summary
A plasmonic photoconductor sensing platform is provided. The plasmonic photoconductor sensing platform includes an insulating substrate; a semiconducting film placed on top of the insulating substrate; two metal contacts placed at least in part on the semiconducting film to enforce an electric field; a plurality of plasmonic nanostructures deposited on the semiconducting film and physically separated from metal contacts; an insulating layer, the insulating electrically isolating the plasmonic nanostructures from semiconductor; at least one energy source; and at least one microfluidic channel disposed on the insulating layer.