Quadrupole Magnetic Actuation for Biosensor Particle Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing magnetic-label biosensors lack precise control over magnetic forces, limiting their flexibility and accuracy in directing magnetic label particles to specific binding sites, especially in complex applications requiring multi-step actuations and dynamic magnetic field manipulation.
Innovation Solution
A quadrupole magnetic unit with independently controllable electromagnetic coils, providing a magnetic field gradient at the sensor surface, allows for precise and dynamic control of magnetic label particles, enabling accurate actuation towards or away from binding sites, and preventing the formation of bead pillars.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple magnetic actuation system is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the control precision over magnetic forces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic actuation system is segmented into multiple independently controllable magnetic elements (e.g., multiple magnets or magnetic coils) arranged in a specific geometric configuration. This segmentation allows independent control of each element to achieve precise magnetic field manipulation without requiring an overly complex integrated system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by creating spatially varying magnetic field gradients through the geometric arrangement of magnetic elements. Different regions of the magnetic field have different strengths and directions, enabling precise local control of magnetic forces on particles at specific locations while keeping the overall system relatively simple.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a quadrupole magnetic unit with independent coils is used, then the control precision and flexibility are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The quadrupole magnetic unit with independently controllable coils serves multiple functions: it can generate attractive forces, repulsive forces, gradient forces, and perform both accumulation and washing operations. This multi-functionality provides high adaptability and control flexibility while avoiding the need for separate magnetic units for each function, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity.
3Productivity
If magnetic actuation is applied to enhance particle concentration speed, then the binding process speed is improved, but the control precision over particle positioning deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic actuation system employs dynamic control where the strength and direction of magnetic forces can be adjusted in real-time. During the accumulation phase, strong attractive forces rapidly concentrate particles. During positioning phases, the forces are modulated to precisely guide particles to target locations, enabling both high speed and high precision through temporal dynamics.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic or pulsed magnetic actuation sequences to achieve both rapid concentration and precise positioning. Alternating between strong gradient fields for fast accumulation and controlled oscillating or stepped fields for precise positioning allows the system to optimize both productivity and positioning precision through time-dependent field configurations.
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 quadrupole magnetic unit enhances the precision and flexibility of magnetic label biosensors, enabling accurate and complex actuation schemes, including multi-step operations and dynamic effects, thereby improving the detection efficiency and reducing the need for traditional washing steps.
Implementation Method 1
a quadrupole magnetic unit adapted to provide a magnetic field gradient at the sensor surface
Implementation Method 2
magnetic attraction of the beads or magnetic labels, also referred to as actuation
Implementation Method 3
The quadrupole magnetic unit may comprise, e.g., four electromagnetic coils, which are independently controllable by providing an electric current to said coils separately
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a biosensor comprising means (5) for accommodating a fluid sample having a sensor surface at its bottom and means for detecting particles accumulated at and/or proximate the sensor surface. The biosensor further comprises a quadrupole magnetic unit (1, 2, 3, 4) adapted to provide a magnetic field gradient at the sensor surface, wherein the unit is arranged below the sensor surface.