Resonating Sensor Binding Kinetics Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional diagnostic testing for chemical and biological materials is hindered by long response times, high costs, and the need for centralized laboratories, complex equipment, and trained personnel, limiting the ability to measure binding kinetics and requiring sample refinement, which complicates field applications and accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A portable apparatus with a sensing resonator, actuation circuitry, and measurement circuitry that adjusts frequency to maintain a resonance point, allowing for real-time measurement of binding kinetics and analyte concentration without stabilizing buffers, using a reference resonator for automated detection and measurement of sample introduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional diagnostic testing is performed in centralized laboratories with complex equipment, then measurement precision is improved, but response time increases and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the core sensing function from complex centralized laboratory equipment and implements it in a portable device. The resonator sensor system is designed to perform diagnostic measurements independently without requiring centralized laboratory infrastructure, thereby reducing response time while maintaining measurement precision through the use of resonant frequency detection methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical and chemical diagnostic systems with a resonant sensor-based measurement system. By using piezoelectric or MEMS resonators that detect mass changes through frequency shifts, the system eliminates the need for complex laboratory equipment while achieving comparable measurement precision and significantly faster response times.
2Measurement precision
If sample refinement procedures are implemented, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The resonator sensor system performs self-diagnosis and automatic measurement without requiring manual sample refinement procedures. The system automatically detects analyte binding through frequency shifts and calculates concentration values, eliminating the need for complex sample preparation steps while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from requiring refined samples to detecting resonant frequency shifts that occur naturally when analytes bind to the sensor surface. This parameter change allows direct measurement of unrefined samples while maintaining precision through the sensitivity of resonant frequency detection.
3Measurement precision
If resonator frequency is increased to gigahertz scale, then sensitivity is improved, but difficulty of detecting and measuring increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control where the system continuously monitors resonant frequency and automatically adjusts measurement parameters to maintain optimal detection conditions. This feedback mechanism simplifies the measurement process by automatically compensating for the challenges of high-frequency operation, making gigahertz-scale resonators easier to use while maintaining their high sensitivity.
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 fast, accurate, and cost-effective point-of-need diagnostic testing with minimal training, allowing for immediate treatment and reduced indirect costs by providing rapid and reliable detection of chemical and biological materials in unrefined samples.
Implementation Method 1
the resonant frequency of oscillation is consequently reduced. The change in the resonant frequency of the resonator over time, presumably caused by the binding of the material on the resonator surface
Implementation Method 2
Biosensors based on piezoelectric properties of materials have been used in detecting very small quantities of materials. Piezoelectric resonators used as sensors in such applications are sometimes called 'micro-balances.'
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Apparatus and method for detecting a presence of a subject material in a fluid sample using at least one resonating sensor immersible in the fluid sample. Binding kinetics of an interaction of an analyte material present in the fluid sample are measured with the resonating sensor, which has binding sites for the analyte material. Prior to exposing the resonating sensor to the fluid sample, operation of the resonating sensor is initiated, which produces a sensor output signal representing a resonance characteristic of the resonating sensor. Optionally, a reference resonator is used that produces a reference output signal. The reference resonator lacks binding sites for the analyte. Introduction of a fluid sample to the resonating sensor is automatically detected based on detection of a characteristic change in the sensor output signal or a reference output signal, or both. In response to the detecting of the introduction of the fluid sample, automated measurement of the binding kinetics of the analyte material to the resonating sensor are measured.