SPR Biosensor with Integrated Cell Culture for Real-Time Secretion Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing SPR-based sensing platforms are limited in detecting analytes from living cells, requiring time-consuming sample collection and purification, which introduces errors and is not suitable for real-time analysis of cellular exocytosis and signaling pathways.
Innovation Solution
A SPR-based sensing device with a metallic surface, such as gold, integrated with a cell culture module that allows for the direct measurement of analyte secretion from living cells cultured on the sensing surface, enabling real-time monitoring of biomarker secretion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing SPR-based sensing platforms are used to detect analytes from living cells, then analyte detection is achieved, but time-consuming sample collection and purification procedures are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the cell culture module with the SPR sensing platform, allowing cells to be cultured directly on the sensing surface. This integration eliminates the need for separate sample collection and purification steps, as analytes are detected directly in the culture medium in real-time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a specialized flow cell chamber as an intermediary structure that accommodates living cells and allows culture medium to flow over the SPR sensing surface. This mediator enables direct interaction between secreted analytes and the sensing surface without requiring complex sample processing.
2Measurement precision
If sample purification procedures are performed, then analyte detection accuracy is improved, but errors are introduced and reproducibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the purification step from the detection workflow by enabling direct detection of analytes in the cell culture medium. By removing the purification procedure, the system eliminates the sources of error and variability introduced during sample processing while maintaining detection accuracy through the SPR technique's sensitivity.
3Measurement precision
If traditional SPR systems are used, then analyte detection in prepared samples is achieved, but real-time analysis of cellular exocytosis and signaling pathways is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static SPR sensing system into a dynamic one by integrating a flow cell chamber that allows continuous flow of culture medium and real-time monitoring of analyte secretion. This enables the system to capture temporal dynamics of cellular exocytosis and signaling pathways as they occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional platform that combines cell culture, real-time analyte detection, and flow control capabilities in a single system. This universal platform can analyze multiple aspects of cellular behavior (exocytosis, signaling pathways, biomarker secretion) without requiring separate experimental setups.
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 rapid, sensitive, and real-time analysis of analyte secretion from living cells, mimicking in vivo conditions, with improved reproducibility and linearity, and is applicable for detecting biomarkers and understanding cell signaling pathways.
Implementation Method 1
Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) based biosensing technology is a useful tool for investigating the binding activity between, for example, cells, proteins, DNA, and small inorganic molecules
Implementation Method 2
SPR can be excited when a wedge of polarized light is directed towards the glass face of the sensor surface under the condition of total internal reflection
Implementation Method 3
The resonant angle at which a minimal intensity of reflected light occurs is a function of the local refractive index at or near the metal (such as gold) surface
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides surface plasmon resonance (SPR) based sensing systems and methods for rapid, sensitive, and real-time analysis of analyte secretion from living cells. In one embodiment, the SPR based sensing device of the present invention comprises at least one cell culture module for culturing living cells, wherein the cell culture module is configured so that analytes secreted from the living cells can be released onto a SPR sensing surface.