Quantum Dot Biosensor Electronic-Vibrational Energy Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing biosensors face challenges in inducing a fine potential difference and measuring current changes effectively due to the destruction of samples during measurement and low density of biological markers, which affects real-time monitoring of biomolecules like immunoglobulin E and glucose.

Innovation Solution

A biosensor design featuring a quantum dot layer on an n-type channel with electronic transition energy capable of resonating with vibration energy of target biomolecules, integrated with a field-effect thin film transistor to induce and measure current changes through electronic-vibrational energy transfer, allowing for real-time detection and improved signal efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If quantum dots are used to detect biomolecules through energy transfer, then detection sensitivity is improved, but the ability to induce and measure fine potential differences is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection sensitivityVSAvoidpotential difference measurement
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an n-type channel as an intermediary component between the quantum dot layer and the measurement system. This channel acts as a mediator that converts the subtle potential differences generated by quantum dot-biomolecule energy transfer into measurable current changes, thereby resolving the difficulty of detecting fine potential differences while maintaining high detection sensitivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional direct electrical measurement methods with a field-effect transistor-based measurement system. Instead of directly measuring potential differences, the system uses the field-effect transistor to convert potential changes into current changes, making the measurement process more sensitive and easier to detect

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If additional biological markers are used for detection, then detection capability is improved, but device complexity and additional procedures are increased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection capabilityVSAvoidprocedural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates the need for additional biological markers by utilizing the quantum dots themselves as the detection interface. The quantum dot layer directly interacts with target biomolecules through energy transfer, removing the complexity of marker addition procedures while maintaining or improving detection capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The quantum dot layer serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both the sensing element for biomolecule detection and the signal generation source through energy transfer. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate biological markers and simplifies the overall device structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 precise measurement of current changes in the quantum dot layer due to electronic-vibrational energy transfer, effectively detecting biological materials and transferring electric charges for enhanced biosensor efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

the potential difference is generated when the potential of a quantum dot layer is changed according to electronic-vibrational energy transfer between the quantum dot layer and target biomolecules

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectronic-vibrational energy transfer:

Implementation Method 2

The charge carrier generator is configured to photo-generate charge carriers

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhoto-generation of charge carriers: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3537138B1Quantum dot biosensor
Publication Date: 2023.12.27 LG CHEM LTD
  • EP3537138B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3537138B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3537138B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The present invention relates to a quantum dot biosensor, and according to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a biosensor comprising a substrate, a gate electrode provided on the substrate, an insulating layer provided on the gate electrode, a source electrode and a drain electrode, provided on the insulating layer, respectively, an n-type channel provided between the source electrode and the drain electrode, and a quantum dot layer provided on the n-type channel and provided so as to have electronic transition energy capable of resonating with vibration energy of a target biological material.