Plasmonic Biosensor Nanohole Array for Label-Free Cell Mass Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining therapeutic responses of cancer cells to drugs lack sensitivity and accuracy, particularly in measuring cell mass changes, and often stress cells during measurement, leading to unreliable results and high costs.
Innovation Solution
A label-free plasmonic biosensor platform that detects cell mass changes at single-cell sensitivity using a periodic nanohole array on a metal film, allowing real-time monitoring of spectral shifts to determine therapeutic effects of drugs without direct cell contact, enabling high-throughput analysis of multiple cells simultaneously.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If label-free plasmonic biosensor platform is used to detect cell mass changes, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor surface is segmented into periodic nanohole arrays, where each nanohole acts as an independent sensing element. This segmentation enables single-cell sensitivity while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure based on standard plasmonic fabrication techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The plasmonic nanohole array serves multiple functions: it acts as both the sensing substrate and the detection element itself. The periodic structure provides both mechanical support and optical sensing capability, reducing the need for additional complex components.
2Device complexity
If conventional cell mass measurement methods are used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical measurement methods (such as physical weighing or force-based techniques) with optical sensing based on surface plasmon resonance. This substitution achieves single-cell mass detection sensitivity without requiring complex mechanical measurement systems.
3Measurement precision
If direct cell contact measurement is performed, then measurement precision is improved, but cell stress increases
Solution Approach 1:
The plasmonic nanohole array serves as an intermediary between the measurement system and the cells. Cells are placed on the sensor surface for mass detection, and the plasmonic field acts as a non-contact measurement medium, minimizing mechanical stress on cells while enabling precise mass measurements.
4Productivity
If high-throughput simultaneous cell analysis is performed, then productivity is improved, but measurement precision may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor surface is divided into multiple independent sensing regions, each capable of detecting single cells. This segmentation allows simultaneous analysis of multiple cells across different regions while maintaining single-cell detection sensitivity in each region through the periodic nanohole array structure.
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 platform achieves high sensitivity in detecting cell mass changes, allowing for accurate and rapid determination of therapeutic responses to drugs, reducing unnecessary treatments and improving patient outcomes by identifying drug-resistant cancer cells, while being cost-effective and minimizing cell stress.
Implementation Method 1
label-free optical biosensing platforms eliminated the need for optical labels (e.g., fluorescent dyes) for detection with the use of special electromagnetic waves called surface plasmons
Data Source
AI summary
A plasmonic-based biosensor platform that determines the biophysical properties of cells, the changes within, and their therapeutic behavior upon the molecules that cause these changes in an ex vivo and label-free manner is provided. The plasmonic-based biosensor platform includes a plasmonic chip, a light source, an inverted microscope, an incubator case, an optical read-out device, and a graphical user interface. The biosensor platform of the invention could determine the therapeutic susceptibility of cancer cells to cancer drugs in a label-free manner.