SAW Sensor Hydrogel Layer for Rapid Virus Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current virus detection methods for SARS-CoV-2 and other respiratory diseases are slow, invasive, and often miss asymptomatic or pre-symptomatic cases, placing a significant burden on public health infrastructure.
Innovation Solution
Surface acoustic wave (SAW)-based sensors functionalized with antibodies and a hydrogel layer that allows viruses to diffuse and bind, changing the oscillation frequency for rapid, non-invasive detection of aerosol-borne viruses, including asymptomatic individuals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If traditional laboratory testing methods are used to detect viruses, then detection accuracy can be maintained, but the testing process becomes extremely slow and requires invasive sampling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a hydrogel layer as an intermediary medium between the virus-containing air sample and the antibodies on the sensor surface. This hydrogel layer enables viruses to diffuse through it and contact the antibodies directly on the sensor, eliminating the need for complex laboratory sample processing and transport while maintaining detection accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of invasive sampling, sample transport, and laboratory processing with an acoustic wave-based detection system. Surface acoustic waves interact with the viruses directly in the air sample, enabling rapid detection without physical sample manipulation or transport
2Quantity of substance
If invasive sampling methods are used for virus detection, then sufficient sample material can be obtained, but patient comfort decreases and asymptomatic cases are missed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the sensor to self-acquire viral samples directly from the air through which the patient breathes. The hydrogel layer on the sensor surface automatically captures viruses from the air flow without requiring any invasive procedures from the patient, making the test non-invasive, comfortable, and suitable for asymptomatic individuals
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes air flow (pneumatics) to deliver viral samples to the sensor. By directing the air flow containing viruses through the hydrogel layer, the system passively collects sufficient viral material without requiring invasive sampling procedures
3Productivity
If rapid detection is implemented to reduce spread of respiratory diseases, then public health burden decreases, but detection reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-functionalizing the sensor surface with antibodies and preparing the hydrogel layer before patient testing. This pre-preparation enables rapid detection during actual use without compromising reliability, as the detection system is already optimized and ready to immediately interact with viral samples
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 quick, non-contact detection of viruses with rapid results, reducing the reliance on slow laboratory tests and supporting the detection of various viral threats with minimal user interaction and complex computation.
Implementation Method 1
The SAW sensor includes a piezoelectric substrate. The SAW sensor also includes first and second interdigitating transistors over the piezoelectric substrate. The first interdigitating transistor is configured to convert an input electrical signal into an acoustic wave.
Implementation Method 2
The second interdigitating transistor is configured to convert the acoustic wave into an output electrical signal.
Implementation Method 3
the hydrogel layer is configured to permit the one or more viruses to diffuse through the hydrogel layer and contact the antibodies
Implementation Method 4
The detection layer includes (i) antibodies configured to bind to one or more biological analytes and (ii) a hydrogel layer over the antibodies, wherein: the antibodies are configured to bind to one or more viruses
Implementation Method 5
Surface acoustic wave (SAW)-based hydrogel testing for detecting viruses
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus includes a surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensor (100). The SAW sensor includes a piezoelectric substrate (102). The SAW sensor also includes first and second interdigitating transistors (104a-104b) over the piezoelectric substrate. The first interdigitating transistor (104a) is configured to convert an input electrical signal into an acoustic wave. The second interdigitating transistor (104b) is configured to convert the acoustic wave into an output electrical signal. The piezoelectric substrate is configured to transport the acoustic wave. The SAW sensor further includes a detection layer (116) over the piezoelectric substrate and positioned at least partially between the first and second interdigitating transistors. The detection layer includes (i) antibodies (302) configured to bind to one or more biological analytes and (ii) a hydrogel layer (306) over the antibodies.