Sub-pixel Bead Agglutination Detection in Sensor Pixels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining analyte concentrations in biological fluids require laboratory visits and extended wait times for results, making them inconvenient and costly for individuals needing timely health management.
Innovation Solution
A system and method using sub-pixel sized functionalized beads in a sensor with multiple active areas that detect agglutination events within fluid samples, allowing for point-of-care testing by mixing beads with the sample and using sensor pixels to determine analyte concentrations based on agglomeration coverage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If traditional laboratory methods are used for analyte determination, then measurement precision is maintained, but loss of time and device complexity increase due to extended wait times and laboratory visit requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical/optical imaging systems with sensor pixel arrays that directly detect bead agglutination events. Each sensor pixel corresponds to a specific region and detects changes in electrical properties (capacitance, impedance) when beads agglutinate, enabling rapid electronic detection without complex optical pathways or mechanical moving parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The functionalized beads self-agglutinate in the presence of target analytes without requiring external intervention. The sensor system automatically detects these agglutination events through electrical property changes, and the processor automatically determines analyte concentration from the detected signals, enabling autonomous point-of-care testing.
2Measurement precision
If sub-pixel sized beads are used to increase sensor resolution, then measurement precision improves, but difficulty of detecting and measuring increases due to beads being smaller than individual sensor pixels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent detects bead agglutination events by monitoring changes in electrical properties (capacitance, impedance) across sensor pixels rather than attempting to resolve individual sub-pixel beads optically. When beads agglutinate, they create detectable electrical signals even though the beads themselves remain smaller than the sensor pixel dimensions, enabling indirect detection through property changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses electrical field interactions as an intermediary mechanism to detect sub-pixel beads. The sensor pixels generate or respond to electrical fields that interact with the beads' physical and electrical properties, allowing detection through field-bead interactions rather than direct optical or physical contact, thus enabling detection of objects smaller than the sensor resolution limit.
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensor pixels are used to detect agglutination events, then measurement precision and analyte concentration determination improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor pixel array serves multiple functions: detecting bead agglutination events, determining analyte concentration, and providing spatial information about reaction zones. Each sensor pixel can independently detect electrical property changes, and the processor integrates signals from multiple pixels to determine overall agglutination extent and calculate analyte concentration, enabling a single system to perform multiple measurement tasks.
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 rapid and cost-effective point-of-care testing for analyte concentrations, reducing the need for laboratory visits and improving the efficiency of health management by allowing for immediate analysis of biological fluids.
Implementation Method 1
A functionalized bead of the plurality of functionalized beads can have a cross-sectional area smaller than a pixel area defined by a sensor pixel of the plurality of sensor pixels. The sensor can be configured to detect an agglomeration of functionalized beads when the agglomeration covers at least a threshold portion of a respective pixel area of the sensor pixel.
Implementation Method 2
A controller can be configured to cause the sensor to scan the active sensor area and generate an image or mapping based on signals periodically received from the sensor pixels.
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor system that employs sub-pixel sized beads for assays is disclosed. The sensor system includes a first plurality of sensor pixels that define a first active sensor area. The first active sensor area is configured to receive a first portion of a fluid sample. The first portion is mixed with a plurality of first functionalized beads for performing a first assay. The sensor system also includes at least a second plurality of sensor pixels that define a second active sensor area. The second active sensor area is configured to receive a second portion of the fluid sample. The second portion is mixed with a second plurality of functionalized beads for performing a second assay. The first assay and the second assay may be configured to detect different concentration ranges of an analyte in the fluid sample.