Polysensing Bioelectronic Test Plate Multiplexed Cell Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies for analyzing cells in 3D environments lack the capability for real-time, multiplexed, and continuous monitoring of complex biophysical and biochemical characteristics, which are essential for detecting transient changes and heterogeneities in cell states, especially in disease progression and drug exposure scenarios.
Innovation Solution
An electronic test plate with multiple sensors associated with each well, including optically transparent regions, that allows for simultaneous and continuous sensing of various characteristics such as impedance, pH, optical, and acoustic properties, using thin film transistor (TFT) switches and readout circuitry for data processing, enabling 2D or 3D sensing and multiplexed analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are integrated into each well for multiplexed sensing, then measurement capability and information quality improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sensors of different types (optical, electrical, acoustic, mechanical) are merged into a single integrated test plate structure, with each well containing multiple sensors that can simultaneously measure different characteristics of the same sample, eliminating the need for separate measurement systems
Solution Approach 2:
The test plate is designed as a universal platform that can perform multiple sensing functions simultaneously - optical detection, electrical impedance measurement, acoustic sensing, and mechanical detection - all within the same device structure, allowing one system to replace multiple specialized instruments
2Reliability
If real-time continuous monitoring is implemented, then detection capability for transient changes improves, but data processing complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables continuous real-time monitoring of samples without interruption, with sensors continuously measuring and transmitting data, allowing transient changes and dynamic processes to be captured without missing events that would occur with intermittent sampling
3Loss of information
If multiple sensors per well are deployed, then information quality and biomarker discovery improve, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The test plate is segmented into multiple independent wells, each capable of housing its own set of sensors, allowing modular manufacturing where sensor arrays can be fabricated and tested individually before final assembly, reducing overall manufacturing complexity
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 comprehensive and high-throughput monitoring of cell characteristics, revealing new biomarkers and temporal/spatial correlations, improving the detection of low incidence heterogeneities and phenotypic patterns, and providing differential information with high common mode noise rejection.
Implementation Method 1
Sensors of the electronic test plate are configured to sense characteristics of the substance to be analyzed disposed in the test wells and to generate sensor signals based on the sensed characteristics
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C
Figure 1D
AI summary
An electronic test plate includes a test plate comprising plurality of wells, each well configured to contain a substance to be analyzed. Sensors are arranged to sense characteristics of the substance and to generate sensor signals based on the sensed characteristics over time. The sensors are arranged so that multiple sensors are associated with each well. At least one sensor of the multiple sensors senses a characteristic of the substance that is different from a characteristic sensed by another sensor of the multiple sensors. Sensor select circuitry is arranged on a backplane disposed along the test plate. The sensor select circuitry is coupled to the sensors and enable the sensor signals of selected sensors to be accessed at a data output of the backplane.