SPR Sensor with Semiconductor Device for Biomolecule Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) spectroscopy in biomolecule sensing often experiences false positives due to limitations in detecting biomolecules without labeling and accurately measuring refractive index changes.
Innovation Solution
A sensor system combining a bipolar junction transistor (BJT) with a semiconductor device and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) spectroscopy, where the BJT measures net charges within a Debye length from a sensing metallic film, and SPR detects refractive index changes, providing label-free detection and simultaneous electrical and optical measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If SPR spectroscopy is used for label-free biomolecule detection, then the complexity of the assay is reduced, but false positives increase due to inability to accurately distinguish specific binding from non-specific adsorption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines SPR spectroscopy with semiconductor device detection to create a hybrid sensor system. The SPR component provides label-free detection while the semiconductor device measures electrical properties, together enabling both simplified assay operation and improved detection accuracy through multiple measurement modalities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer between the biomolecule sample and the sensor surface that modulates electrical properties. This intermediary layer allows the semiconductor device to detect biomolecule presence through electrical measurements while the SPR system continues to provide optical detection, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and accuracy
2Ease of operation
If only refractive index measurement is used in SPR, then the measurement process is simplified, but the precision of biomolecule detection is reduced due to false positives
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges optical refractive index measurement with electrical property measurement in a single integrated sensor platform. This combination maintains the simplicity of SPR operation while adding electrical detection capability that provides an independent verification mechanism to eliminate false positives and improve measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from single-dimensional optical measurement to multi-dimensional detection by adding electrical measurement capability. This dimensional expansion allows simultaneous measurement of optical and electrical properties, providing cross-validation that improves precision without sacrificing operational simplicity
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 combination reduces the likelihood of false positives by offering precise, label-free detection of biomolecules through both electrical charge measurements and refractive index changes, enhancing the accuracy of biomolecule sensing.
Implementation Method 1
surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy... This method is based upon the optical excitation of surface plasmons in thin metal layers. The resonance conditions for the excitation of surface plasmons strongly depend on the optical properties of the dielectrics surrounding the metal layer.
Implementation Method 2
The semiconductor device measures the net charges within the liquid sample within a Debye length from the sensing metallic film.
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor including a surface plasmon resonance detector with a reservoir for containing a liquid sample. The sensor further includes a sensing metallic film positioned within the reservoir so that at least a majority of a surface of the sensing metallic film is to be in contact with the liquid sample being housed within the reservoir. The sensory also includes a semiconductor device having a contact in electrical communication with the sensing metal containing film that is positioned within the reservoir. The semiconductor device measures the net charges of molecules within the liquid sample within a Debye length from the sensing metallic film.