Portable Optical Reader for Accurate Multiplexed Analyte Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for accurate and inexpensive point-of-care and at-home diagnostics for analyte detection that can perform multiplexed diagnostics efficiently.
Innovation Solution
An optoelectronic reader device comprising a microfluidic subassembly with a microfluidic pump, an optics subassembly with an optical device, and a sensor device configured for analyte detection, integrated into a portable device for point-of-care diagnostics, using miniaturized optics, microfluidics, and customized driver electronics with cloud-connected software.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional lab-based diagnostic systems are used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into distinct functional modules: a portable optoelectronic reader device for field use and a cloud-based data processing system. The reader device itself is segmented into a microfluidic subassembly for sample handling and an optics subassembly for detection, allowing each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall system precision.
Solution Approach 2:
Traditional mechanical and manual laboratory diagnostic systems are replaced with an integrated optoelectronic platform that uses optical fields for detection and microfluidics for sample transport. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical manipulation steps while maintaining or improving measurement precision through optical sensing.
2Ease of operation
If portable diagnostic devices are used, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from bulk optical detection to nanoscale photonic resonance detection, utilizing a different dimensional approach (nanophotonic resonators with dimensions in the hundreds of nanometers) to achieve high precision in a compact form factor. This dimensional change enables lab-quality precision in a portable device.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses tunable laser sources that can be adjusted to match specific photonic resonance frequencies of the nanoscale resonators. By changing the optical parameter (wavelength/frequency) to match the resonant parameters of the sensors, the system achieves maximum detection precision while maintaining portability.
3Productivity
If multiplexed diagnostics are implemented, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optoelectronic reader device is designed as a universal platform that can detect multiple different analytes simultaneously using the same optical detection chamber and photonic resonator array. Different analytes are detected by functionalizing different resonators with specific recognition elements, allowing one device to perform multiple diagnostic functions without increasing physical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiplexing is achieved not by adding multiple separate detection chambers or optical paths, but by utilizing the frequency dimension of light. Each photonic resonator is tuned to a specific resonant frequency, and multiple analytes are detected simultaneously by monitoring different frequency channels within the same optical system, enabling high-productivity multiplexed diagnostics without proportional increases in device 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 rapid, multiplexed analyte detection outside a lab setting, providing quick and accurate results for various applications including medical diagnostics, drug discovery, and environmental monitoring, using disposable cartridges with integrated photonic chips.
Implementation Method 1
an optical device having at least one light source directed at the at least a fluid
Implementation Method 2
a sensor device configured to sense the at least a fluid and detect at least an optical property of the analyte
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for performing analyte detection, wherein the apparatus comprises an optoelectronic reader device, the optoelectronic reader device comprising a microfluidic subassembly comprising a microfluidic pump, the microfluidic pump configured to route the flow of at least a fluid, wherein the at least a fluid contains an analyte, and at least a reservoir configured to contain the at least a fluid, an optics subassembly, the optics subassembly comprising an optical device having at least one light source directed at the at least a fluid, and a sensor device configured to sense the at least a fluid and detect at least an optical property of the analyte, and a portable device, wherein the portable device is configured for point of care diagnostics.