Multi-Channel SPR Sensor for Rapid Analyte Concentration Analysis
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surface analysis methods, such as SPR, are time-consuming and laborious, requiring long incubation times, excessive sample consumption, and frequent sensor regeneration, making them inefficient for rapid analysis of multiple samples, especially in clinical settings or drug screening.
Innovation Solution
A multi-channel microfluidic system that determines analyte concentrations by measuring SPR response signals at an early stage of the association phase without surface regeneration, using multiple sensing channels to analyze samples in short cycles and immobilizing ligands at optimal densities for rapid data collection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional SPR analysis methods are used with surface regeneration, then sensor surface can be reused, but analysis time is prolonged and throughput is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor surface is divided into multiple independent sensing zones (first, second, and third sensing zones) that can simultaneously analyze different samples. This segmentation allows parallel processing of multiple samples without requiring sequential regeneration of the same surface, thereby increasing throughput while maintaining analysis quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The method uses preliminary linear regression analysis on the initial linear portion of binding curves before saturation occurs. By determining analyte concentrations from the slope of this initial linear portion, the system avoids the time-consuming process of waiting for complete binding equilibrium and subsequent surface regeneration, thus reducing analysis time while maintaining accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If traditional SPR analysis waits for binding equilibrium, then accurate concentration measurements are obtained, but excessive sample consumption and time are required
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs measurements during the initial linear portion of the binding curve before equilibrium is reached. By using linear regression on this preliminary data segment, accurate concentration measurements are obtained without waiting for the complete binding process, significantly reducing incubation time while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of allowing binding to proceed to complete saturation (excessive action), the method intentionally stops measurement at the linear portion (partial action). This partial measurement approach is sufficient for determining analyte concentration through linear regression, avoiding the time and sample consumption required for full equilibrium while maintaining accuracy.
3Reliability
If multiple samples are analyzed sequentially with sensor regeneration, then each sample receives adequate analysis, but sample throughput is significantly reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor surface is divided into multiple independent sensing zones that can simultaneously analyze different samples. This parallel architecture maintains analysis reliability for each sample while dramatically increasing overall throughput by eliminating sequential regeneration requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The method changes the measurement parameter from waiting for binding equilibrium to measuring the initial binding rate (slope). This parameter change allows rapid sequential or parallel analysis of multiple samples while maintaining reliability through linear regression analysis, which is less sensitive to variations in binding conditions.
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 significantly reduces analysis time, minimizes sample consumption, and increases throughput by allowing multiple samples to be analyzed quickly without the need for frequent sensor regeneration, improving the efficiency of surface analysis techniques.
Implementation Method 1
surface plasmon resonance (SPR) analysis, a label-free technique, generally can include measuring changes in refractive index associated with the attachment of an analyte to a sensor surface. By measuring changes in an SPR angle or a reflected light intensity
Data Source
AI summary
A method can include measuring increments in a response signal in multiple sample injection sessions in a sensing channel until the response signal reaches a threshold response capacity. Measuring the increments can include: (a) starting a respective sample injection session of the multiple sample injection sessions by injecting a sample with an analyte to the sensing channel; (b) controlling the valve port to terminate the respective sample injection session; (c) measuring the response signal based on a reaction between the sample and the ligand; and/or (d) upon determining that the response signal is not greater than the threshold response capacity, determining a respective response increment of the increments for the respective sample injection session, and starting a subsequent session of the multiple sample injection sessions for determining a subsequent increment of the increments. The method further can include determining an analyte concentration of the sample based at least in part on the increments. Other embodiments are disclosed.