Vertical Interrogation Biophotonic Biosensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current label-free biodetection systems face limitations in sensitivity, integration, cost, and measurement speed due to complex coupling techniques and high manufacturing demands, particularly in photonic devices like SPR, interferometers, and resonant cavities, which hinder their miniaturization and widespread commercialization.
Innovation Solution
A novel optical detection system combining interferometric and resonant biophotonic structures with advanced optical interrogation techniques such as ellipsometry, spectrometry, and angle-resolved reflectance/transmittance for vertical interrogation, eliminating the need for fiber optic-waveguide coupling and enabling high-sensitivity, high-throughput analysis in micro/sub-micro domains.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional photonic devices (SPR, interferometers, resonant cavities) are used for label-free biodetection, then sensitivity can be achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase due to complex coupling techniques and high manufacturing demands
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex fiber optic-waveguide coupling techniques from the photonic device structure. By removing this complex coupling mechanism, the system achieves simplified device architecture while maintaining detection sensitivity through direct optical interrogation of the biosensor surface without requiring complex coupling components.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using complex coupling techniques to bring light to the sensor (conventional approach), the patent inverts the approach by enabling direct optical access to the biosensor surface. This inversion simplifies the system by eliminating the need for complex coupling mechanisms while maintaining measurement precision.
2Reliability
If conventional photonic devices are used for label-free biodetection, then detection can be performed, but manufacturing precision requirements are high and miniaturization is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the photonic device into simpler, more manufacturable components that can be integrated at micro and nano scales. By dividing the complex device architecture into modular segments, the system maintains detection reliability while enabling miniaturization through standard microfabrication processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical coupling systems with simpler optical interrogation methods that are more compatible with miniaturization. This substitution eliminates the need for precise mechanical alignment and complex coupling structures, thereby reducing manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining detection capability.
3Ease of operation
If complex coupling techniques are used in photonic devices, then optical interrogation can be achieved, but cost increases and commercialization is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs simpler, more cost-effective optical components and interrogation methods that can be manufactured at lower cost. By using straightforward optical geometries and eliminating expensive coupling components, the system maintains ease of operation while significantly reducing manufacturing cost, thereby facilitating commercialization.
4Loss of time
If label-free biosensing is implemented, then analysis time is reduced and costs are lowered, but measurement speed and throughput are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic optical interrogation of the biosensor surface, enabling rapid sequential measurements. This periodic action allows the system to maintain label-free detection benefits while achieving high measurement speed and throughput through repeated cyclic optical measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous optical interrogation of the biosensor surface, maintaining detection capability throughout the measurement process. This continuous action eliminates dead time between measurements, thereby increasing productivity and measurement speed while preserving the cost and time advantages of label-free sensing.
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 achieves ultra-sensitive, robust, and cost-effective label-free bioassays with high measuring cadence, capable of detecting tiny refractive index variations and integrating multiple analytes on a single chip, reducing analysis time and costs while increasing sensitivity and integration density.
Implementation Method 1
combining the interferometric and resonant advantages of novel photonic structures
Implementation Method 2
combining the interferometric and resonant advantages of novel photonic structures
Implementation Method 3
optical interrogation techniques such as spectrometry, ellipsometry as well as simultaneous angle resolved reflectance and/or transmittance
Implementation Method 4
the refractometric optical biosensors do not require this type of labelling for the detection, which is called label-free biosensing systems
Data Source
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AI summary
Optical detection system for labelling-free high sensitivity bioassays, which comprises the use of optical characterization techniques that allow vertical interrogation in micrometric and sub-micrometric domains and also at least one vertical-interrogation biophotonic inteferometric or resonant cell, characterized in that said system further comprises at least: (i) an optical measuring system that comprises, in turn, and at least, one excitation source, optical means for detection of the signal originating from an optical head, and an optical head; and (ii) an element for the integration of multiple analytes, comprising, in turn, and at least, a plurality of fluid connections connected with the cells, and a substrate on which rest not only biosensitive cells but also the fluid connections. In said systems, said optical head is arranged in such a manner as to allow analysis in respect of each one of said biosensitive cells and the analytes contained therein.