Syringe-Based Whispering Gallery Mode Microresonator Sensor

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for sensors that can detect and analyze small volumes of fluid, particularly body fluids, to identify and measure the presence, composition, and concentration of target entities such as infectious agents, toxins, proteins, DNA, and RNA, with the ability to perform these tests quickly and contemporaneously with or shortly after sample collection.

Innovation Solution

A syringe-based whispering gallery mode sensor system is developed, incorporating a syringe with an optical carrier and microresonators within its needle, coupled with a light source, detector, and data analysis component, allowing for the detection and analysis of target substances in body fluids using whispering gallery mode resonances.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If microsphere-based WGM sensors are used to detect target entities, then detection sensitivity is improved, but device complexity and portability are worsened due to the need for external optical waveguides and laboratory equipment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection sensitivityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the optical waveguide, light source, detector, and microsphere sensor into a single integrated syringe device. The optical fiber is positioned within the syringe needle, and the microsphere is attached to the fiber tip, creating a compact handheld system that maintains WGM detection sensitivity while eliminating the need for separate laboratory equipment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The syringe device serves multiple functions: it acts as both a fluid delivery system for sample injection and as a housing for the optical sensing components. The single device performs sample introduction, optical excitation, signal detection, and data processing, replacing multiple separate laboratory instruments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If microsphere-based WGM sensors are used to detect target entities, then detection sensitivity is improved, but portability and ease of operation are worsened due to the need for laboratory equipment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection sensitivityVSAvoidportability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The device is segmented into compact functional modules: the syringe barrel houses the light source and detector, the needle contains the optical fiber, and the microsphere is mounted at the fiber tip. This segmentation allows the entire sensing system to fit within a portable syringe format while maintaining detection sensitivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Quantity of substance

If small volumes of fluid are tested, then sample volume requirement is reduced, but detection sensitivity may be worsened due to limited target entity concentration in small samples

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesample volumeVSAvoiddetection sensitivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses whispering gallery mode resonances, which are highly sensitive to changes in the refractive index and mass on the sensor surface. This physical parameter change approach allows detection of target entities even when present in very small sample volumes, as the WGM signal responds to minute changes in the optical properties caused by bound analytes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces conventional bulk detection methods with optical field-based detection. The evanescent optical field of the WGM interacts with target entities bound to the microsphere surface, allowing detection based on optical property changes rather than requiring large volumes for bulk analysis

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 system enables sensitive detection and analysis of small volumes of body fluids, providing effective identification and quantification of target entities, enhancing the capability to perform tests on very small samples with high sensitivity and precision.

Implementation Method 1

Whispering gallery modes of the light circulating within the microsphere can be observed in optical signals detected at the detector. Target entities selectively captured (e.g., adsorbed) by target receptors on the surface of the microsphere may shift the whispering gallery modes.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWhispering gallery mode: Resonance

Data Source

PatentUS8886270B2Syringe-based whispering gallery mode microresonator microfluidic biochem sensor

Publication Date: 2014.11.11 POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE OF NEW YORK UNIVERSITY

AI summary

A syringe-based whispering gallery mode sensor includes a syringe including an assembly provided its needle, the assembly including (1) an optical carrier having a reflective distal end, and (2) at least one resonator coupled with the optical carrier. This sensor may be provided in a system including a light source, a light detector, and a data analysis component. A method for determining the presence or concentration of a target substance in body fluid may be performed using such a system.