Polymeric Membrane Dissolution for Bioagent Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bioagent detection systems face challenges in achieving high sensitivity and selectivity while being cost-effective, reliable, and energy-efficient, particularly due to complex electronic and photonic requirements and the need for sensitive microelectronics and macro-scale spectrometry.
Innovation Solution
A bioagent detection device utilizing a polymeric membrane that dissolves in response to bioagents, with an ultraviolet light emitting diode as a stimulus source and an ultraviolet light detector, allowing for continuous monitoring in both air and aqueous environments, and a method involving a microfluidic system with a mask to prevent stimulus passage and generate an output voltage proportional to the detected intensity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If complex electronic and photonic methods are used for high sensitivity detection, then detection sensitivity is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the biorecognition function from complex electronic/photonic systems and places it directly on the transducer surface. Biologically active materials are deposited onto the transducer, allowing the transducer itself to perform both signal generation and biorecognition, eliminating the need for separate complex detection systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the biorecognition structure and transducer into a single integrated biosensor unit. The biologically active material is directly coupled to the transducer, combining what were previously separate functions (biological recognition and physical signal transduction) into one unified device, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
2Measurement precision
If highly sensitive microelectronics are used for signal amplification and processing, then detection sensitivity is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs signal amplification preliminarily through the transducer itself, which generates a strong initial signal directly from the biorecognition event. This preliminary signal generation eliminates the need for subsequent high-power amplification stages, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining sensitivity.
3Measurement precision
If macro scale spectrometry systems are used for quantification, then measurement precision is improved, but device size and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces macro-scale mechanical/optical spectrometry systems with a micro-scale electrochemical transducer. The transducer directly converts biorecognition events into electrical signals that can be quantified electronically, eliminating the need for large, complex optical spectrometry equipment while maintaining quantification accuracy.
4Measurement precision
If biologically active materials are used for high sensitivity and selectivity, then detection sensitivity is improved, but reliability decreases due to delicate bioelectronic interface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses thin film structures for the biorecognition layer on the transducer surface. This thin film configuration provides mechanical stability and robustness to the delicate biologically active materials while maintaining their biological functionality, thereby improving reliability without sacrificing sensitivity.
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 device provides a compact, inexpensive, and highly sensitive bioagent detection system capable of continuous monitoring, with the output voltage indicating the presence and concentration of bioagents, overcoming the limitations of existing systems in terms of cost, reliability, and power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
The source includes an ultraviolet light emitting diode for generating ultraviolet light having an intensity
Implementation Method 2
The detection structure includes an ultraviolet light detector. The ultraviolet light detector generates an output voltage in response to the intensity of the ultraviolet light detected
Implementation Method 3
The membrane is fabricated from a polymeric material that dissolves in response to exposure to the agent
Data Source
AI summary
A detection device and method for detecting the presence of an agent in a fluid. The device includes a membrane having first and second sides. The membrane allows a stimulus, e.g. ultraviolet light, to dissolve in response to presence of the agent. A source is positioned on a first side of the membrane. The source sources the stimulus toward the membrane. A detection structure is disposed on the second side of the membrane for detecting the stimulus. The detection structure generates an output voltage in response to the intensity of the stimulus detected. As the membrane dissolves, the intensity of the stimulus detected changes.