Airborne Pathogen Detection With Electrochemical Biosensor Electrodes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies lack rapid, non-invasive methods for detecting airborne pathogens, particularly asymptomatic carriers of viruses like SARS-CoV-2, to effectively curb the spread of infectious diseases.

Innovation Solution

An airborne detection device equipped with an analysis vial and biosensor electrode, utilizing electrochemical technology and nanobodies for real-time detection of multiple pathogens, including SARS-CoV-2 variants, in aerosols.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If conventional pathogen detection methods are used, then detection accuracy may be adequate, but detection time is too long and cannot provide real-time monitoring

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection timeVSAvoiddetection capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional mechanical/chemical detection methods with electrochemical detection using biosensor electrodes. The electrochemical method measures electrical current generated by enzymatic reactions, providing rapid results in seconds to minutes compared to hours or days for conventional methods, while maintaining high detection reliability through specific antibody-antigen binding.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the detection parameter from time-consuming chemical reactions to rapid electrochemical signal measurement. By measuring electrical current instead of waiting for colorimetric or other conventional reaction endpoints, the system achieves real-time or near real-time pathogen detection without sacrificing accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If multiple pathogens are detected separately, then detection accuracy for each pathogen is maintained, but the complexity and time required increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection throughputVSAvoidtesting complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a universal detection platform where multiple biosensor electrodes, each functionalized with different pathogen-specific antibodies, can simultaneously detect multiple pathogens in a single sample. This multi-functional approach allows concurrent detection of various viruses and bacteria without requiring separate testing procedures, reducing both time and operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The detection system is segmented into multiple independent biosensor electrodes, each dedicated to detecting a specific pathogen. This segmentation allows parallel processing of multiple pathogen detections simultaneously, increasing throughput while keeping each individual detection channel simple and manageable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Measurement precision

If invasive sampling methods are used to obtain sufficient sample for detection, then detection sensitivity is improved, but patient comfort and ease of sampling deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection sensitivityVSAvoidsampling ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses aerosol sampling that captures pathogen particles from the air environment, creating a representative copy of the infectious atmosphere without requiring direct contact with patient tissues. This indirect sampling method maintains detection sensitivity by capturing viable pathogens while significantly improving patient comfort and sampling ease compared to swabs or blood draws.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces aerosol particles as an intermediary medium between the patient and the detection system. Instead of directly sampling from invasive sources, the system detects pathogens carried on aerosol particles in the breath or surrounding air, serving as a non-invasive intermediary that preserves pathogen integrity while eliminating patient discomfort.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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, simultaneous detection of multiple pathogens in a single test, providing real-time monitoring of airborne threats and supporting quick isolation measures to mitigate disease spread.

Implementation Method 1

airborne environmental detection and surveillance of pathogens with electrochemical analysis

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrochemical analysis:

Implementation Method 2

a biosensor electrode

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBiosensor detection:

Data Source

PatentUS20250327801A1Systems and methods for airborne environmental detection and surveillance of pathogens with electrochemical analysis

Publication Date: 2025.10.23 WASHINGTON UNIV IN SAINT LOUIS

AI summary

The present disclosure is directed to an airborne detection device, method, and system for analyzing an environmental air sample and detecting airborne pathogens. The device includes an analysis vial, and a biosensor electrode. The system further includes an external sampling device.