Multi-Reflection Silicon Microchannel for Biomaterial Sensitivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current biomaterial analysis sensors face challenges in measuring low molecular weight biomaterials due to low measurement sensitivity, especially when distinguishing between refractive index changes of the buffer solution and adsorption/dissociation characteristics, and are limited by the use of expensive metal thin films with uneven surface roughness and unstable optical properties.
Innovation Solution
A multi-reflection silicon-based liquid immersion micro-channel measurement device and method that separates and amplifies light reflections through multiple reflections, using a prism-buffer solution interface and a sample detection layer, allowing for high-sensitivity measurements by spatially separating first and second reflected lights and minimizing sample consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a surface plasmon resonance sensor with metal thin film is used to measure biomaterial adsorption, then the sensor can detect refractive index changes and adsorption characteristics, but the measurement sensitivity is insufficient for low molecular weight biomaterials and the metal thin film surface roughness causes unstable optical properties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive metal thin films with a silicon-based micro-channel structure that has stable optical properties. The silicon substrate serves as a disposable-like component that provides consistent refractive index and surface smoothness, eliminating the reliability issues associated with metal film deposition variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the refractive index parameter by using silicon-based materials with known stable refractive indices instead of metal films. This parameter change enables better distinction between buffer solution refractive index changes and actual biomaterial adsorption signals, improving measurement precision for low molecular weight substances.
2Measurement precision
If a prism-buffer solution interface is used for light incidence, then the measurement can distinguish refractive index changes, but the first reflected light and second reflected light are difficult to separate completely
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the light reflection paths by introducing multiple reflection interfaces within the silicon micro-channel structure. The first reflected light from the prism-buffer interface and the second reflected light from the sample detection layer are separated through multiple internal reflections, allowing distinct detection of each signal component.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a spatial dimension to light separation by utilizing the multi-layer structure of the silicon micro-channel. Light undergoes multiple reflections at different interfaces (prism-buffer interface and sample detection layer interface), creating spatially separated reflection paths that enable complete separation of first and second reflected lights.
3Measurement precision
If multiple reflections are introduced to separate light paths, then measurement sensitivity is improved, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the multi-reflection light separation function with the existing silicon micro-channel structure used for sample detection. The same silicon substrate and micro-channel geometry that provide sample confinement also serve as the reflection interfaces for optical path separation, eliminating the need for additional separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The silicon-based micro-channel structure performs multiple functions simultaneously: it confines the sample flow, provides a stable refractive index medium, creates multiple reflection interfaces for light separation, and serves as the detection platform. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity despite the added optical path complexity.
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 approach enhances measurement sensitivity, reduces errors, and allows for non-labeled, high-sensitivity bioadhesive material analysis, suitable for various industries, by effectively separating light reflections and stabilizing signal intensity, thus improving the accuracy of biomaterial analysis.
Implementation Method 1
a part of the incident light is reflected by the prism-buffer solution interface and then passes through the prism to define first reflected light
Implementation Method 2
another part of the incident light passes through the prism-buffer solution interface, performs multi-reflection by repeatedly performing reflection and light incidence multiple times by the sample detection layer and the reflection structure
Implementation Method 3
a polarized light generating unit configured to generate polarized light
Implementation Method 4
a polarized light detecting unit configured to detect a polarization change of reflected light
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a multi-reflection silicon-based liquid immersion micro-channel measurement device and measurement method capable of improving measurement sensitivity by completely separating, through multi-reflection, first reflective light reflected by a sample detection layer and a second reflective light by a prism-buffer solution interface and by allowing the light to enter multiple times through the multi-reflection. The multi-reflection silicon-based liquid immersion micro-channel measurement device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure includes a micro-channel structure including a support, and one or more micro-channels formed on the support and each having a sample detection layer with a fixed bioadhesive material for detecting a sample, a sample injection unit configured to inject a buffer solution containing the sample into the micro-channel, a prism unit including a prism, and a reflection structure formed by coating a bottom surface of the prism with a mirror reflection material, the polarized light generating unit configured to generate polarized light, and the polarized light detecting unit configured to detect a polarization change of reflected light.