Xerogel Sensor Circuit Reduces Optical Component Count
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fluorescence-based sensors exploiting xerogels face challenges with stability and efficiency due to leaching of fluorescent probes and the need for multiple optical sources and detectors, which increases costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A low-cost electronic circuit is provided that allows multiple fluorescent-based sensors to be read with a single optical source, using a gel substrate with a receptor for molecular recognition and a luminophore for signaling, along with an optical excitation source, detection circuit, and read circuit that generates a digital output based on the phase difference between the photocurrent and analog signal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple optical sources and detectors are used for fluorescence-based sensors, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensor readings into a single integrated system that can be read by one optical source and detector. The xerogel-based sensor array integrates multiple fluorescent probes with different selectivities, allowing simultaneous detection of multiple analytes through a unified reading mechanism, thereby reducing the number of optical components while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a universal sensor platform where a single optical source and detector can read multiple types of sensors with different selectivities. The xerogel matrix serves as a universal support structure that can accommodate various fluorescent probes, enabling one reading system to perform multiple detection functions.
2Stability of the object's composition
If fluorescent probes are incorporated into xerogel matrices, then sensor stability is improved, but probe leaching occurs reducing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the porous structure of xerogels to embed fluorescent probes within the matrix network. The porous architecture provides physical entrapment of probes while maintaining accessibility for analyte interaction. This integration within the porous matrix reduces probe leaching compared to surface attachment methods, improving both stability and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite material system combining xerogel matrix with fluorescent probes and recognition elements. This composite structure integrates multiple functions: the xerogel provides structural stability and porosity, while the embedded probes provide detection capability. The composite nature prevents probe leaching while maintaining sensor reliability.
3Productivity
If xerogel-based sensor arrays are implemented, then productivity and throughput are improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a segmentation approach where the sensor array is divided into multiple independent sensing elements within the xerogel matrix. Each element can be fabricated separately with standard techniques, then integrated into the array. This segmentation allows high productivity through parallel fabrication while reducing individual manufacturing precision requirements compared to creating a fully integrated single-component sensor.
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 solution enables stable and efficient fluorescence-based sensors with reduced costs and complexity by allowing multiple sensors to be monitored with a single optical source, improving the stability and reproducibility of sensor arrays.
Implementation Method 1
a luminophore for signaling a recognition event relating to the analyte, the luminophore emitting an optical signal
Implementation Method 2
an optical detector for receiving the optical signal emitted by the luminophore and generating a photocurrent
Data Source
AI summary
Chemical sensors today are deployed in massive volumes across multiple industries and yet at the same time they are subject to substantial research and development effort to establish new, faster, lower cost, more accurate, more sensitive chemical sensors. Such sensors and sensor arrays are being exploited across chemistry, biology, clinical biology, environmental science in civilian and military markets. Amongst the many sensor methodologies are xerogel substrates with two moieties, a receptor for molecular recognition of the analyte and a luminophore for signaling the recognition event. In order to fulfill the requirements for low cost there is a requirement for electronic excitation/read circuits that can support architectures with optical source—N sensors—X filters—M detectors, where M≥N and X=N|M. According to embodiments of the invention electronic excitation/read circuits for phase based luminophore sensors are presented that are compatible with single CMOS chip implementation and monolithic integration of the optical excitation/detection elements.