SPR Nano-Sensor for Concurrent Chemical Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sensor technologies are limited in their ability to concurrently detect chemical agents, biomolecule agents, and biological cells at high sensitivity and low concentration levels, often requiring complex setups, high power consumption, and being time-consuming, while also struggling with accuracy and bulkiness.
Innovation Solution
A nano-sensor system utilizing a photonic-band-gap waveguide structure with dielectric materials, capable of detecting changes in refractive index to measure concentrations of gases, biomolecules, and biological cells, integrated with a signal processing circuit for real-time digital monitoring, allowing for concurrent detection of multiple specimens.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If standard electrical techniques are used for detection, then the system can detect single specimen, but the detection sensitivity is low and time consumption is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces standard electrical detection techniques with surface plasmon resonance (SPR) optical detection. The SPR sensor uses optical energy to excite surface plasmons on a metal surface, creating a resonance condition that is highly sensitive to refractive index changes caused by specimen binding. This optical substitution enables simultaneous multi-specimen detection with ppb-level sensitivity and rapid real-time measurement, resolving the contradiction between detection sensitivity and time consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a universal SPR sensor platform that can detect multiple types of specimens (chemical agents, biomolecules, biological cells) simultaneously using the same detection mechanism. By functionalizing the sensor surface with different receptors and using spectral analysis, the system achieves multi-functionality without requiring separate detection systems for each specimen type, thereby improving both sensitivity and reducing detection time through parallel measurement.
2Measurement precision
If complex detection systems are used to achieve high sensitivity, then detection accuracy improves, but device complexity and bulkiness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the light source, SPR detection optics, and signal processing electronics into an integrated compact system. The use of fiber-optic coupling and integrated photodetectors combines multiple functional components into a unified device that maintains high detection accuracy while significantly reducing overall system complexity and size compared to traditional separate-component configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs spectral analysis by measuring changes in resonance angle or wavelength as the detection parameter, rather than requiring complex mechanical or electrical measurement systems. This parameter transformation approach maintains high detection accuracy for chemical agents, biomolecules, and biological cells while using simpler optical components and signal processing, thereby reducing device complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional sensors are used for multiple specimen detection, then each specimen requires separate detection setup, but this increases device complexity and power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal SPR detection platform where a single optical system can detect multiple specimen types simultaneously. By using spectral multiplexing and different receptor functionalizations on the same sensor surface, the system achieves multi-specimen detection capability without requiring separate detection setups for each specimen, thereby reducing power consumption and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the detection function at the receptor level rather than at the detection system level. Multiple specific receptors are immobilized on the sensor surface, each targeting a different specimen type, while sharing a common SPR detection system. This segmentation approach enables versatile multi-specimen detection with a single low-power optical platform, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and power consumption.
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 high-sensitivity detection of chemical agents, biomolecule agents, and biological cells at part-per-billion levels, providing accurate real-time monitoring with minimal power consumption and a compact design, suitable for both biomedical and industrial applications.
Implementation Method 1
A nano-sensor system utilizing a photonic-band-gap waveguide structure with dielectric materials, capable of detecting changes in refractive index
Implementation Method 2
detecting changes in refractive index to measure concentrations of gases, biomolecules, and biological cells
Data Source
AI summary
A sensing device able to do concurrent real time detection of different kinds of chemical, biomolecule agents, or biological cells and their respective concentrations using optical principles. The sensing system can be produced at a low cost (below $1.00) and in a small size (˜1 cm3). The novel sensing system may be of great value to many industries, for example, medical, forensics, and military. The fundamental principles of this novel invention may be implemented in many variations and combinations of techniques.