Sensor Device with Aggregate Trapping Section for Virus Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sensor devices for detecting viruses have insufficient detection sensitivity due to the uniform distribution of analytes and lack of effective aggregation mechanisms, which limits their ability to accurately monitor binding strength and speed.
Innovation Solution
The sensor device incorporates a flow path with metal layers and acceptors that specifically bind with analytes, allowing for local aggregation and concentration within a specific region, changing the dielectric constant and enhancing detection sensitivity through electromagnetic wave interference patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If analytes are uniformly distributed in the flow path, then the sensor device has a simple structure, but the detection sensitivity is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The flow path is designed with a specific aggregate trapping section that has different properties from other regions. This section is configured to concentrate analytes through aggregate formation, creating a local region with higher analyte concentration while the rest of the flow path maintains simple uniform flow. The metal layer is also positioned specifically at this trapping section to enhance local detection sensitivity.
2Measurement precision
If analytes are concentrated locally, then the detection sensitivity is enhanced, but the device requires additional aggregation mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines multiple functions into a single integrated flow path structure. The aggregate trapping section serves simultaneously as the region for analyte concentration, metal layer placement, and optical detection. By merging these functions into one section, the device achieves enhanced detection sensitivity without requiring separate aggregation mechanisms or multiple components.
3Measurement precision
If the flow path allows free flow of sample, then the operation is simple, but the analytes cannot be effectively concentrated
Solution Approach 1:
The flow path is designed to automatically concentrate analytes through the natural formation of aggregates as sample flows through the aggregate trapping section. The structure itself performs the concentration function without requiring external control mechanisms, valves, or complex flow regulation systems. Sample simply flows through the device and analytes are automatically concentrated in the trapping section.
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
This design achieves high detection sensitivity and usability by concentrating analytes, allowing for visible changes in light intensity, enabling effective detection of viral presence with a simple and inexpensive setup.
Implementation Method 1
Surface plasmon wave (i.e. compression wave of electrons) exists at an interface between metal layer 602 and insulating layer 603
Implementation Method 2
Light source 605 is disposed above prism 601 and supplies P-polarized incident light to prism 601 under a condition of total reflection
Implementation Method 3
This incident light causes an evanescent wave on surfaces of metal layer 602 and insulating layer 603
Implementation Method 4
When a wave-number matching condition in which a wave number of the evanescent wave matches with a wave number of the surface plasmon wave is satisfied, the light energy supplied from light source 605 is used for exciting the surface plasmon wave
Implementation Method 5
The carrier is configured to have acceptors fixed onto surfaces so that the acceptors are specifically bound with the analyte to produce an aggregate
Implementation Method 6
When a specific bound substance is formed on the lower surface of insulating layer 603, the dielectric constant of layer 603 changes, and the resonant angle changes accordingly
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor device includes a flow path and a metal layer disposed in the flow path. The flow path is configured to allow a sample containing analytes to flow and to allow a carrier to be disposed therein. The carrier has acceptors that are fixed on a surface thereof and specifically bound with the analytes for producing aggregates. The flow path includes an aggregate trapping section at which the analytes locally concentrate to the section. This sensor device has high detection sensitivity with a simple structure.