3D Electrochemical Biosensor Electrodes for Rapid Pathogen Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for detecting infectious diseases, such as COVID-19, are either slow due to multiple sample processing steps or have low sensitivity, particularly in the early stages of infection, making them inadequate for rapid and accurate detection.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the preparation of functionalized electrodes through droplet-based printing, where conductive material is deposited onto a substrate and functionalized with a binding reagent to detect analytes, enabling rapid and sensitive detection of pathogens like SARS-CoV-2.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If genomic sequencing or CRISPR-based tests are used to detect viral infection, then detection accuracy is improved, but detection time increases due to multiple sample processing steps

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoiddetection time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and detects specific viral proteins (S-protein, N-protein) directly from patient samples using electrochemical biosensors, bypassing the need for complex genomic sequencing or CRISPR processing steps. This extraction of the essential detection target enables rapid detection within minutes while maintaining high accuracy through specific antibody-protein binding reactions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces complex mechanical processing steps (multiple sample preparation, purification, and amplification steps required by genomic methods) with a simplified electrochemical detection system. The biosensor directly measures viral proteins in the sample using electrical signals, eliminating the need for lengthy mechanical processing while preserving detection accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If serological methods like ELISA or lateral flow immunoassay are used to detect antibodies, then the assay is simpler to perform, but sensitivity decreases and early stage detection becomes impossible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassay simplicityVSAvoiddetection sensitivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention introduces electrochemical transduction as an intermediary between the simple antibody-protein binding reaction and the detection readout. The binding reagents (antibodies) remain simple to implement, but the electrochemical signal amplification and measurement provide enhanced sensitivity, allowing detection of very low concentrations of viral proteins in early stage infection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the detection parameter from visual or colorimetric readout (used in traditional ELISA and lateral flow assays) to electrochemical signal measurement. This parameter change enables detection of much lower analyte concentrations while maintaining operational simplicity, as the electrochemical sensor directly transduces the binding event into a measurable electrical signal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If traditional detection methods are used, then sample processing protocols are well-established, but the ability to detect infectious diseases within days of infection is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotocol reliabilityVSAvoiddetection speed

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The invention uses preliminary action by pre-immobilizing high-affinity antibodies against viral proteins (S-protein, N-protein) onto the biosensor surface before sample introduction. This pre-prepared binding layer enables immediate capture and detection of viral proteins as soon as they are present in the sample, allowing detection within minutes of sample introduction while maintaining protocol reliability through standardized sensor fabrication.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 allows for rapid detection of infectious diseases within minutes, improving sensitivity and accuracy by utilizing a microfluidic test device with sensing electrodes that can quickly identify pathogens in patient samples.

Implementation Method 1

depositing a conductive material onto the surface of a substrate by droplet-based printing, such as aerosol jet printing, of particles comprising an electrically-conductive material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDroplet-based printing:

Implementation Method 2

functionalizing the surface of the conductive material with a binding reagent that binds to an analyte

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBinding:

Data Source

PatentUS20230287226A1Electrochemical Biosensors for Rapid and Sensitive Detection of Pathogens and Pathogenic Biomarkers

Publication Date: 2023.09.14 CARNEGIE MELLON UNIV

AI summary

A method of preparing a functionalized electrode array is provided. The method includes depositing a conductive material onto the surface of a substrate by droplet-based printing of particles comprising an electrically-conductive material. The surface of the conductive material is functionalized with a binding reagent that binds to an analyte. A three-dimensional electrode array and microfluidic test device are also provided.