Silicon Optical Resonator for Implantable Bio-Molecular Diagnostics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bio-molecular detection techniques require expensive, complex, and bulky equipment, limiting their practicality and accessibility for efficient molecule detection.
Innovation Solution
A diagnostic device fabricated in silicon, incorporating an optical resonator, optical waveguide, and detector, which uses a capture agent at a binding site to detect resonant wavelength shifts indicative of bio-molecular binding, enabling compact, low-cost, and reusable label-free detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing bio-molecular detection techniques are used, then detection capability is achieved, but equipment cost, complexity, and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical and optical detection systems with a microfabricated silicon-based optical resonator system. The resonator uses evanescent field interaction with bound molecules to detect bio-molecular bindings, eliminating the need for bulky external equipment while maintaining high detection sensitivity through resonant wavelength shifts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from requiring complex external equipment to measuring resonant wavelength shifts of an integrated optical resonator. By monitoring changes in resonant wavelength caused by refractive index changes during binding events, the system achieves high detection precision with simplified device architecture.
2Measurement precision
If existing bio-molecular detection techniques are used, then detection capability is achieved, but equipment size and portability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the optical resonator, waveguide, and detector into a nested hierarchical structure where the resonator is fabricated directly on the silicon substrate with the waveguide and detector components. This nested integration enables the entire detection system to be miniaturized into a compact form factor suitable for portable and implantable applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from three-dimensional bulky equipment to a two-dimensional planar integrated circuit structure. The optical resonator and detection components are fabricated in a planar configuration on a silicon chip, reducing the volume from cubic-scale equipment to chip-scale dimensions while maintaining detection functionality.
3Measurement precision
If existing bio-molecular detection techniques are used, then detection is performed, but cost and accessibility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a disposable microfabricated silicon chip containing the optical resonator and detection components. Each chip can be manufactured at low cost using standard semiconductor fabrication processes, allowing single-use or limited-use configurations that eliminate the need for expensive reusable equipment while maintaining high detection precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive mechanical and optical components with microfabricated silicon-based photonic structures. The use of standard semiconductor manufacturing techniques enables mass production of detection chips at low cost, making the technology accessible for widespread diagnostic applications.
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
The device provides high sensitivity and real-time detection of bio-molecular bindings, allowing for simultaneous or sequential testing of multiple molecules without the need for external equipment, facilitating implantable and cost-effective diagnostics.
Implementation Method 1
a first resonant wavelength generated by the first optical resonator when no binding reaction is present at the binding site, and b) a second resonant wavelength generated by the first optical resonator upon undergoing a change in refractive index when a binding reaction is present at the first binding site
Implementation Method 2
upon undergoing a change in refractive index when a binding reaction is present
Implementation Method 3
The optical waveguide is configured for propagating a laser beam, and for coupling a first portion of the propagated laser beam into the optical resonator
Implementation Method 4
The detector is configured for detecting: a) a first resonant wavelength generated by the first optical resonator
Data Source
AI summary
An implantable diagnostic device in accordance with the present disclosure provides various benefits such as a compact size thereby allowing implanting of the device inside animate objects; low cost due to incorporation of inexpensive detection circuitry and the use of conventional IC fabrication techniques; re-usability by heating thereby allowing multiple diagnostic tests to be performed without discarding the device; and a configuration that allows performing of simultaneous and/or sequential diagnostic tests for detecting one or more similar or dissimilar target molecules concurrently or at different times.