Implantable Biosensor With Plasmonic Nano-Antenna for Compact Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing biosensing setups require bulky equipment for light coupling and detection, limiting the practical application of plasmonic sensors, and there is a need for technologies that can enable simultaneous nanoscale biosensing and communication within a living being.
Innovation Solution
The development of biosensors and communication nodes equipped with plasmonic nano-antennas that can sense biomarkers and transmit optical communication signals, leveraging a chirp-spread spectrum excitation and detection method for simultaneous communication and sensing, and utilizing edge computing and networking for data processing and transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional plasmonic sensors use bulky measurement equipment for light coupling and detection, then detection reliability is improved, but device size and portability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sensing function and communication function into a single integrated nano-scale device. The plasmonic nano-antenna serves dual purposes: detecting biomarkers through spectral signature changes and transmitting optical communication signals. This integration eliminates the need for separate bulky measurement equipment, achieving both reliable detection and compact form factor.
Solution Approach 2:
The plasmonic nano-antenna is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both a sensing element for biomarker detection and a communication transmitter for optical signal transmission. This multi-functionality allows the device to maintain high detection reliability while reducing overall device volume by eliminating redundant components.
2Reliability
If separate sensing and communication systems are used, then functional reliability is improved, but device complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines sensing and communication functions into a single integrated system at the nano-scale. The plasmonic nano-antenna simultaneously performs biomarker detection and optical signal transmission, reducing system complexity while maintaining functional reliability through unified design and shared components.
Solution Approach 2:
The nano-scale device is designed with multi-functionality, where the plasmonic nano-antenna serves as both the sensing element and communication transmitter. This universal approach allows a single device to perform multiple functions that would traditionally require separate systems, thereby reducing overall complexity while preserving reliability.
3Measurement precision
If nanoscale biosensing is implemented without communication capability, then detection precision is improved, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nanoscale biosensor with integrated communication capability. The plasmonic nano-antenna maintains high detection precision for biomarkers while simultaneously enabling optical communication signal transmission. This multi-functional design enhances adaptability by allowing the sensor to both detect and communicate data, bridging the gap between nanoscale sensing and practical application.
4Ease of operation
If implantable biosensors are made compact, then ease of operation is improved, but detection capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves compact implantable biosensor design by merging sensing and communication functions into a single nano-scale device. The integrated plasmonic nano-antenna maintains detection capability despite the reduced size, as the nano-structure provides sufficient surface area and optical interaction for reliable biomarker detection while enabling simultaneous communication.
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 accurate diagnosis with reduced medical testing infrastructure load by allowing for compact, implantable biosensors that perform both sensing and communication, enhancing detection reliability and resolution.
Implementation Method 1
plasmonic nano-antenna optically coupled to the light source and configured to receive the source light and to emit light therefrom exhibiting a spectral signature of the plasmonic nano-antenna
Implementation Method 2
bio-functionalized element joined to the plasmonic nano-antenna and configured to receive a biomarker if the biomarker is available, the bio-functionalized element configured to effect a change in the spectral signature as a function of receipt or nonreceipt of the biomarker
Implementation Method 3
a combination of the light source and the plasmonic nano-antenna is configured to encode an optical communication signal into the emitted light exhibiting the spectral signature
Data Source
AI summary
A biosensor that is configured to be implanted into a living being includes a light source configured to generate source light with a source light spectrum. The biosensor also includes plasmonic nano-antenna optically coupled to the light source to receive the source light and to emit light therefrom exhibiting a spectral signature of the plasmonic nano¬antenna. A bio-functionalized element joined to the plasmonic nano-antenna can receive a biomarker if available and effect a change in the spectral signature as a function of receipt or nonreceipt of the biomarker. A combination of the light source and nano-antenna can encode an optical communication signal into the emitted light and transmit the signal to a separate communication node. An optional detector can detect the emitted light and provide output indicative of receipt or nonreceipt of the biomarker, which can in turn be encoded into the communication signal for reporting to another node.