Protein-Crystal Microlens Array for Stable Optical Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing biological detection devices using protein-based optical waveguides face limitations due to measurement being performed in fewer dimensions, interference from environmental factors, poor stability of amorphous proteins, and difficulty in processing protein-based microdevices.
Innovation Solution
A protein-matrix microlens array diffraction device is developed, comprising a protein crystal with microlens-like protrusions, prepared by mixing protein with a salt solution and adjusting pH, followed by femtosecond laser treatment to create a stable and responsive structure for enhanced detection capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If amorphous protein is used as the matrix, then the device can be easily prepared, but the stability in the environment is poor and degradation occurs easily
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of the protein from amorphous to crystalline form. This phase transition fundamentally alters the stability characteristics while maintaining the protein's functional properties, resolving the contradiction between ease of preparation and environmental stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structure by forming protein crystals within a matrix material. This composite approach combines the stability of crystalline protein structures with the structural support of the matrix, achieving both ease of manufacture and improved environmental stability.
2Device complexity
If only light intensity is used as the measurable parameter, then the device structure is simple, but the measurement is performed in fewer dimensions and is easily interfered by various factors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional light intensity measurement to two-dimensional diffraction pattern analysis. By utilizing the spatial distribution of diffracted light across multiple dimensions, the system achieves more accurate and interference-resistant measurements while maintaining relatively simple device architecture.
3Ease of manufacture
If protein-based microdevices are processed using conventional methods, then the processing is straightforward, but the processing is inherently difficult due to the sensitivity of protein materials to environmental temperature and other factors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs femtosecond laser processing which operates at extremely short pulse durations, delivering energy faster than thermal diffusion can occur. This ultrafast processing parameter change allows precise modification of protein crystals without significant temperature rise, overcoming the temperature sensitivity issue while maintaining processing feasibility.
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 improves detection accuracy and flexibility by converting measurement quantities into physical quantities like diffraction pattern shape and spacing, offering better stability and wider application range compared to traditional methods.
Implementation Method 1
emitting a femtosecond laser on a surface of the protein crystal obtained in step (1), wherein the femtosecond laser has a pulse duration of 35 to 120 fs, a single pulse energy of the femtosecond laser is half of a protein ablation threshold
Implementation Method 2
a surface of the protein crystal where the largest side is located is processed to have an array of microlens-like protrusions... converting measurement quantities into physical quantities like diffraction pattern shape and spacing
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a protein-matrix microlens array diffraction device and a preparation method thereof. The protein-matrix microlens array diffraction device includes a matrix of a protein crystal. A largest side of the protein crystal has a length of 100 to 500 μm, a surface of the protein crystal where the largest side is located is processed to have an array of microlens-like protrusions, a distance p between two adjacent microlens-like protrusions of the array of microlens-like protrusions is in a range of 10 to 100 μm, a diameter d of the microlens-like protrusion is in a range of 2 to 10 μm, and a height h of the microlens-like protrusion is in a range of 0.05 to 2 μm.