Structured Biochip Spatially Varying Reflectivity for Multiplexed Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current label-free optical biosensors face limitations such as high cost, complexity, and limited ability to simultaneously detect multiple analytes, making them unsuitable for Point-of-Need applications, particularly due to the need for high-resolution spectrometers and complex instrumentation.
Innovation Solution
A structured biochip with spatially varying reflectivity regions functionalized with binding molecules, combined with a low-cost illumination and detection system, allowing for real-time monitoring of bioreactions using a multi-pixel detector and processor-controlled analysis of reflectivity changes across multiple sensing regions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If commercial systems based on reflected light spectroscopy are used, then relatively simple instrumentation and low-cost biochips are achieved, but high-resolution spectrometers are required which significantly increase the cost of the final device
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor surface is divided into multiple sensing regions with different thicknesses of the same dielectric material. Each region provides distinct optical path lengths, creating spatially varying interference patterns that enable multiplexed detection of multiple analytes simultaneously using a single low-resolution detector.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from spectral domain analysis (requiring high-resolution spectrometers) to spatial domain analysis. By encoding multiple sensing regions with different thicknesses across the sensor surface, the system maps optical path length differences into spatial position, allowing detection using simple intensity measurement at multiple locations rather than high-resolution spectroscopy.
2Adaptability or versatility
If simultaneous determination of multiple analytes is achieved using motorized set-ups, then more than one analyte can be detected, but the complexity of the system, noise of the measurement, and size increase substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor surface is divided into multiple sensing regions with different thicknesses of the same dielectric material. Each region provides distinct optical path lengths, creating spatially varying interference patterns that enable multiplexed detection of multiple analytes simultaneously using a single low-resolution detector.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple sensing regions for different analytes are integrated into a single sensor chip structure. The different thickness regions create distinct optical interference patterns that can be simultaneously measured using one detector, combining multiple detection functions in a single static device without motorized movement.
3Productivity
If WLRS method is used for simultaneous determination of analytes, then real-time monitoring is achieved, but the simultaneous determination of more than three analytes is questionable and requires high-resolution spectrometer
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor surface is divided into multiple sensing regions with different thicknesses of the same dielectric material. Each region provides distinct optical path lengths, creating spatially varying interference patterns that enable multiplexed detection of multiple analytes simultaneously using a single low-resolution detector.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from spectral resolution (wavelength discrimination) to spatial resolution (position discrimination). By varying the physical thickness parameter across different sensing regions, the system creates distinct optical path length differences that manifest as spatially separated interference patterns, enabling detection of multiple analytes through position-based discrimination rather than requiring high spectral resolution.
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 enables cost-effective, accurate, and simultaneous detection of multiple analytes without the need for high-resolution spectrometers, facilitating Point-of-Need applications by maintaining sensitivity and accuracy through spatially varying reflectivity patterns.
Implementation Method 1
a uniform layer of a silicon dioxide dielectric material on a reflective silicon surface, which under broadband illumination produces characteristic interference fringes across the visible and near infrared spectrum
Implementation Method 2
the structured film is functionalized with binding molecules configured to selectively bind with one or more analytes
Data Source
AI summary
A structured biochip may include a structured film disposed on a substrate, where the structured film includes a plurality of sensing regions spatially distributed across the substrate, and where the plurality of sensing regions provides spatially-varying optical characteristics across the substrate. The structured film may be functionalized with binding molecules configured to selectively bind with one or more analytes, where binding of the one or more analytes to the binding molecules generates an adlayer, and where a thickness of the adlayer impacts the spatially-varying optical characteristics of the plurality of sensing regions. At least one of a presence or a concentration of at least one of the one or more analytes may be determinable based on the spatially-varying optical characteristics of the plurality of sensing regions.